Leeds United want to sign Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom if they fail to be promoted
Leeds United want to sign Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom in the summer transfer window if they fail to get promoted to the Premier League, say talkSPORT.
Akpom has scored 21 goals in the Championship this season, making him the second-most prolific striker in England behind Erling Haaland.
Boro currently sit in the playoff places in the league table, but if they fail to secure promotion there are at least half a dozen Premier League sides looking to sign the former England youth international including Leeds.
“Middlesbrough goal-machine Chuba Akpom is attracting interest from as many as half a dozen Premier League clubs,” they wrote (9 March).
“The 21-goal Akpom is the second top-scorer in England’s top four divisions behind only Erling Haaland.
“Everton, Leeds and Crystal Palace are among a host of sides waiting to pounce for the former Arsenal starlet if Michael Carrick’s Boro fall short in their promotion quest.”
Goalscorer
Akpom has been a revelation this season for Middlesbrough this season, with the best attacking return of his career so far to date.
His best form has come under Michael Carrick, who has shone since stepping into the club earlier this season while they were down at the bottom of the table and into genuine playoff contention.
But if the club are not able to secure promotion, and Leeds are able to avoid relegation, then it would be a natural step up for the 27-year-old to test himself at the highest level.
His current contract at the Riverside is now set to expire in 2024 after the one-year option was triggered earlier this season, and that could mean a relatively minimal transfer fee to take him away from the club.
The player could look to show some loyalty to his manager, but the chance to move to the Premier League doesn’t come around often and Leeds’ need for a new striker with a goal record means he’d likely get regular first-team football too.
In other Leeds news, a key attacking duo could be set to return for the clash with Brighton this weekend.
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