Leeds United devise perfect Patrick Bamford replacement plan at Elland Road
Patrick Bamford has been an excellent servant for Leeds United but as he fights to return to fitness he may find another forward at Elland Road to contend with.
Daniel Farke has spotted an opportunity to strengthen his forward line and could make a move for West Ham United striker Danny Ings [Darren Witcoop, 26 August].
The Hammers are considering terminating the contract of the 32-year-old [TBR Football], which would pave the way for a move to Elland Road this summer as a free agent.
Leeds United should sign Danny Ings
Ings has become a journeyman in the Premier League since his move to Liverpool from Burnley in 2015.
The former England international was on and off the treatment table at Anfield and has since represented Southampton, Aston Villa and West Ham throughout his career.
His most prolific spell was with Southampton where he scored 46 goals and added 10 assists in 100 appearances.
He has been virtually non-existent since leaving the Saints and a move to the Championship could be on the cards as he enters the twilight years of his career.
While there are more pressing areas of the pitch to be addressed heading into the final days of the transfer window, this is an excellent opportunity for the Whites.
Mateo Joseph has earned his place as the main man for Farke up top. The 20-year-old has bags of potential but he, alone, cannot be expected to fire Leeds back into the Premier League this season.
With over 200 appearances in the top flight, having a Premier League veteran such as Ings mentoring the Spaniard and easing the pressure at Elland Road could be vital for his development this season.
The injury-prone forward will not be expected to start week in and week out for Leeds but can offer a different dimension in attack for Farke and would arrive in the Championship as one of the most clinical finishers in the league.
Should West Ham terminate his contract, picking up Ings for free is a no-brainer for Leeds and could be the decision the Whites look back on at the end of the season, as the one that secured their return to the Premier League.
It would ultimately spell further bad news for Bamford, who faces an uncertain future at Elland Road, but many will consider Ings – even now – an upgrade on the former.
In other Leeds United news, Farke has issued an update on Patrick Bamford’s status for the day after the window shuts.
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