Andoni Iraola reacts as Leeds United hunt deal to sign David Brooks after ‘unplayable’ Bournemouth performance
Andoni Iraola has provided an update on the potential for Leeds United target David Brooks to get a move this month when asked by Alex Crook.
The talkSPORT journalist reported via Twitter late on 25 January after the Welshman had shone in scoring one and assisting two more in Bournemouth’s 5-0 FA Cup victory over Swansea City, amid interest from the Whites and Championship rivals Southampton.
As a result Crook wrote: “Saints FC and LUFC are two of the clubs who have shown an interest in Brooks, who was unplayable tonight and would be a great addition to any Championship promotion hopeful.”
He asked the Cherries boss if a move for the 26-year-old was on the cards this month and was told by Iraola: “The first part is what the player wants and then a lot of things have to happen. The club has to find a replacement, the financial numbers have to work for everyone.
“We’ll see what happens. The market is open for one more week.”
X factor
Phil Hay had told the Square Ball on 8 January that the noises coming out of Bournemouth on a Brooks exit amid interest from Elland Road weren’t clear, and while Iraola’s latest comments are hardly definitive he certainly didn’t rule a move out.
It is somewhat surprising that the Whites are even interested in attacking wide man given they have the outstanding duo of Crysencio Summerville and Dan James eating up most of the minutes, are reportedly on the brink of agreeing a new deal with Willy Gnonto, and have another Bournemouth loanee at the club in Jaidon Anthony.
They are also thought to be fighting the Saints for Burnley’s Manuel Benson, so whether that suggests that Anthony may be heading back to his parent club after suffering family bereavement remains to be seen.
If all four current wingers are staying for the rest of the season there doesn’t look to be much space in the squad for more options to be added there, especially when defensive recruits seem a far greater priority.
Brooks, having rebounded this season from two years without much football as he recovered from a cancer diagnosis, would appear to be a very viable option to have an impact at Elland Road in the second tier.
But if Summerville and James, who have scored or assisted 19 and 16 Championship goals this season respectively, are looking immoveable in the line-up then any potential signings will be well aware their opportunities might be limited for the foreseeable future.
In other Leeds United news, “significant” new details have emerged amid talks at Elland Road.
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