By Adefunmiloye Alani

26th Jan, 2022 | 7:40am

Phil Hay: Leeds not planning on signing another striker in January

Leeds United are thin in the striking department right now, with Patrick Bamford still out injured and missing their last six Premier League games.

The 28-year-old was unavailable as the Whites suffered a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United at the weekend at Elland Road, and despite missing his impact and the clear need for a quality natural cover in the position, Marcelo Bielsa has no plans to bring one in this month, according to Phil Hay.

The Athletic journalist reported on their website this morning that “the arrival of a new centre-forward was never on the agenda for Bielsa this month and that stance is unlikely to change after Saturday’s loss to Newcastle.”

Blow?

It appears it was always Brenden Aaronson or nothing for Leeds during the January transfer window, and with a move for the RB Salzburg attacking midfielder now looking unlikely, it is safe to say they will not be adding any player to their squad in the coming days.

In Bamford’s recent absence, Joe Gelhardt, Dan James and Tyler Roberts have all led the line for the west Yorkshire outfit, but they have scored just twice between themselves.

The trio only have four goals between themselves so far this season despite a combined 45 league appearances.

Leeds have largely had to rely on Raphinha for goals (eight), with Jack Harrison their next highest goalscorer with four goals.

Bamford is expected to return to action after the winter break, and that should hand them an attacking boost, but it is clear to see that they lack a quality option in the number 9 position off the bench, and it is baffling they have no plans to add one to the squad.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign int’l striker on loan with move already made.