Leeds United face competition from Aston Villa and Leicester for ‘Premier League ready’ defender.

Leeds United are set to fend off strong interest in transfer target Trai Hume, with Premier League and continental interest in the Northern Irishman.

Right-back is a position the Whites are looking to strengthen after Connor Roberts returns to Burnley and Luke Ayling follows him out the door. Holding off any competition for Archie Gray is essential if Leeds are to go one better than this season’s ill-fated promotion push.

However, Daniel Farke may have to look further afield than the Sunderland defender, with competition rife for the 22-year-old, who has said he believes he could play in the Premier League amid interest from Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Leicester City. like Naples on the mainland.

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Hume was a mainstay of the Black Cats’ defensive line-up last season, making 46 league appearances, registering the most tackles in the Championship in the process, with the Premier League now the Northern Ireland international’s target.

“I think I could play in the Premier League,” Hume told the Belfast Telegraph. “You have to hold yourself to a high standard and you want to push yourself as much as you can.

“That’s the level I want to get to, but I’m happy enough at Sunderland and happy where I am and I’m enjoying my football a lot. If a move happens, it happens and if not, I’m happy to play for Sunderland.”

“I try not to think about (transfer speculation). I let my agent deal with all that stuff and until they come to Sunderland and offer money I don’t pay too much attention to it.”