MOT View: Leeds could play blinder if they wrap up reported hunt for Yorkshire club striker
Leeds United could play a blinder if they manage to wrap up their reported hunt to sign Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow this month.
Eddie Nketiah has been recalled from his loan spell at Elland Road by Arsenal and that has left Marcelo Bielsa in need of a new centre-forward before the January transfer window slams shut.
Che Adams and Rhian Brewster are among those who have been linked but the latest striker to reportedly emerge on Leeds’ radar is 25-year-old Woodrow.
The Sun on Sunday reported on January 5 [print edition, page 61] that the Whites are keen on the former Fulham striker as they aim to replace Nketiah now that he has left the club.
It remains to be seen how much Woodrow would cost Leeds but it is unlikely that their Yorkshire rivals Barnsley would be able to turn down a decent offer for the striker considering their lowly position in the Championship.
Woodrow has been a stand-out player for the Tykes this term despite their struggles.
He has made 22 appearances in the league, scoring nine goals in the process.
Two of his goals were scored against West Brom at The Hawthorns while third-placed Brentford have also conceded due to the ex-England Under-21 international.
Woodrow is a strong striker who gets involved in attacking phases of play and could be the perfect back-up option for Patrick Bamford as the season goes on.
According to stats by WhoScored, Woodrow has averaged more shots at goal, passes, key passes and dribbles than Bamford this term while the Barnsley ace has also won more aerial duels on average than the Leeds striker.
Woodrow has proven that he is playing below his level for a team fighting against relegation this season and he could be quite an asset for Leeds in the second half of the campaign.
He could be a superb addition to Bielsa’s squad if the Whites can agree a deal with Barnsley before the transfer window closes.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are plotting an unexpected swoop to sign this £10,000-a-week Premier League midfielder.