BBC Sport pundit shares new Leeds United promotion admission as Southampton transfer update emerges
Carlton Palmer has admitted that Southampton’s loan signing of David Brooks could impact whether or not Leeds United finish in the automatic promotion places this season.
Russell Martin’s side have signed the Welsh international on loan for the remainder of the season and currently sit one point ahead of the Whites in third place, with an extra game in hand.
The Saints trail second-placed Ipswich Town by a point in the final automatic promotion place and BBC pundit Palmer believes that the January business completed by the three clubs could determine who gets to the Premier League.
As quoted by Football League World (31 January) he said: “Bournemouth have agreed to loan David Brooks to Southampton until the end of the season. He’s keen for regular game time before the crucial play-off qualifiers for Wales for this summer’s Euros.
“Southampton hope that Brooks could be the difference in a tight promotion race, with Saints sitting third, a point off the automatic spots. I think it’s between Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich for the final second automatic spot.
“The three clubs are separated by two points, with Leeds having played a game more. The signings that these three clubs make could make all the difference with this extra bit of quality enabling them to get over the line.”
Need to get moving
It does feel that while Leeds United have sat still in the January transfer window, the other teams around them in the race for automatic promotion have taken steps forward to boost their hopes of winning promotion.
Ipswich and Southampton have strengthened and even West Brom below the Whites have added to their squad, all while Farke is yet to make a single addition to his side.
It could be argued that Leeds’ side was stronger in the first place, therefore the German didn’t have as much tinkering to do in the January window. However, there are a few obvious gaps at Elland where signings should be made.
Hopefully, the Whites will make a couple of deadline-busting last-minute additions to boost their promotion hopes after all, it could be season-defining as Palmer suggested.
In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Wilfried Gnonto’s new contract is getting closer at Elland Road
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