Cameron Archer starts: How Leeds could line up after transfer deadline
Cameron Archer and Matt Targett could come straight into Daniel Farke’s starting XI if Leeds United sign the pair before 3 February.
The duo look like leading targets in the Whites’ bid to strengthen both upfront and in defence before the transfer window closes, with zero incomings so far.
Archer arriving from Southampton is set to facilitate a permanent transfer fee after Southampton rejected a loan bid from Elland Road, and he’d likely go straight into the starting XI ahead of Joel Piroe.
Targett, meanwhile, is seen as a longer-term option at left-back with Sam Byram and Junior Firpo’s contracts expiring at the end of the season, and he’d be ahead of either option in Farke’s pecking order.
Daniel Farke to back new signings immediately for Leeds United
Once the winter window slams shut at 11 pm on 3 February, just 16 more Championship matches will stand in the Whites’ way as they look to seal a place in the top two – and therefore the Premier League.
That number increasing to 18 or 19 via the play-offs will understandably spark a sense of dread in LS11, but if they add Targett and Archer to Farke’s squad, United will be well-placed to avoid dropping to third.
Piroe is the Peacocks’ top scorer with 10 goals this term, but the questions over his general play remain, and Archer replacing him in the side would allow the Dutchman to come off the bench late in games.
That’s proven to be a much more effective tactic at times this season, but with Patrick Bamford injured and Mateo Joseph still very much learning the ropes, Farke needs 90 minutes of quality at number nine.
At the back, United are as secure as ever despite calls aplenty for Illan Meslier to be replaced, yet the contractual situation for Firpo and Byram does necessitate changes being made at left-back.
The summer – whether Leeds are promoted or not – would be the optimum time to enact these changes, but if United can get Targett at a cut-price fee before 3 February, he could be a shrewd addition.
Joining Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, and one of either skipper Ethan Ampadu or a fit-again Pascal Struijk in the backline, Targett will only help Farke’s side to continue their match towards promotion.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have made a “massive loss” on one player whose exit was confirmed in the last few days.
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