Leeds United remain in talks with Junior Firpo and Sam Byram over their futures at Elland Road as their current contracts expire on June 30.
Conversely, Josuha Guilavogui will be released when his deal ends on the same day.
James Debayo, who made two substitute appearances for the first team last season, has been offered fresh terms by the club with his contract set to expire too. The Championship winners have published their retained list with a raft of youth players set to follow Guilavogui out of the club next month.
Firpo and Byram are the highest-profile names on the list, but United are evidently not quite ready to say goodbye at this stage. The former made 35 appearances last season with 14 goal involvements from left-back, while the latter proved a dependable understudy with 39 outings, mostly in the same position.
Guilavogui, 34, arrived as a free agent in the autumn after an injury crisis hit Daniel Farke’s midfield. The seven-time France international was never needed as a regular starter, but ultimately racked up 18 appearances, predominantly as a late substitute to lock down leads.
Depart on expiry of current contract: Josuha Guilavogui, Harry Christy, Cian Coleman, Connor Ferguson, Max McFadden, Amari Miller, Kris Moore, Joe Richards, Joe Snowdon, Luca Thomas, Dan Toulson.
Return to parent club: Joe Rothwell, Manor Solomon.
Remain in discussion: Sam Byram, Junior Firpo.
New terms offered: James Debayo, Rory Mahady, Coban Bird, Harvey Vincent.
Leeds full-back situation remains unclear
The decision on Guilavogui is not surprising. Farke was always sceptical about signing any free agent during the injury crisis in the autumn, so this was never going to be a long-term arrangement.
However, the French veteran has been a revelation off the field for the team. He has been a key presence, especially with the squad’s younger players and more than played his part last term. He will depart with fond memories and everyone’s best wishes.
Byram and Firpo were always the more intriguing names on this list. The assumption had been, with the team going into the Premier League, they would be let go to make space for upgrades.
This announcement gives all parties a little more time to make a final decision and explore all avenues for how next term may look for the pair. Based on Firpo’s performances in the top flight a few years ago, it would be no surprise to see Leeds at least add a new first-choice option at left-back.
Would they both be open to being back-ups in the top flight?
(Top image of Junior Firpo: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)