Graham Smyth shares what Leeds are 'Desperately' trying to 'Avoid' in January

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08 Jan 2020, 2:30 pm

Everyone will remember the nightmare Leeds United faced this time last year.

Victor Orta was left in tears as Swansea City pulled the plug on a deal for Daniel James at the very last minute, despite Leeds having pretty much all but completed the move.

Many fans believe that was one of the major reasons behind Marcelo Bielsa's men missing out on promotion. Something which can't happen again this season.

The Athletic journalist, Phil Hay has reported that Southampton striker Che Adams has become Leeds' top target this time around, but that there are still doubts around that move.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has recently revealed that Leeds are much better prepared to avoid what happened last year this time around.

"The difference, I think, between this number one target (Adams) and last January's number one target (James) is that it's not an 'all the eggs in one basket' scenario," he said on the Inside Elland Road podcast.

"Last January, the Dan James transfer was, it was on until all of a sudden it was off. Leeds couldn't get them (Swansea) on the phone, the deadline passed and he was still a Swansea player.

"Leeds are trying desperately to avoid that scenario, so they're trying to get things done earlier, but they're also working on alternative options and trying to get things lined up so if plan A doesn't work, there's a plan B.

"Because they know that they can not leave January without another striker on the books."

It definitely makes sense that Leeds would have a number of different targets this time around. After Eddie Nketiah was recalled, the Whites only have one out-and-out striker in Patrick Bamford and that can not be the case for the rest of the season given his recent injury troubles.

Getting a deal done earlier would also help, it would ease fears and possibly allow Leeds to go into the market for another player.

The Whites reportedly want three players this month, a goalkeeper, a winger and a striker, so this wouldn't most likely be the final deal completed.

In other Leeds United news, MOT View: Under-23s star ready to step up as journo claims 18y/o on ‘Periphery’ of Leeds squad

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