By Craig Scott

22nd Jan, 2020 | 8:35pm

Phil Hay shares whether he sees Assombalonga being 'the one' for Leeds, mentions options abroad

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay does not see Leeds United being able to sign Britt Assombalonga from Middlesbrough this month.

The Mirror reported earlier this week that Assombalonga, 27, had emerged on the radar of Leeds as they aim to sign a new striker before the January transfer window slams shut.

The Whites want a new striker to join their ranks before they take on Millwall in the Championship next Tuesday and Assombalonga is someone who has caught the attention of the Yorkshire giants.

However, former Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Hay has claimed via his personal Twitter account that he does not see the DR Congo international being “the one” for Leeds as they aim to find a replacement for Eddie Nketiah.

Hay also pointed out that there are still players outside of the country who are targets for Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta.

The clock is ticking for Leeds in their search for a new striker, with just nine days until the transfer window closes until the summer.

It would be a ridiculous approach to the second half of the season if Patrick Bamford is the club’s only out-and-out striker in the first team, especially as he has squandered so many opportunities to score lately.

Assombalonga is a decent option to have but six goals in 20 Championship appearances for him at Middlesbrough this season does not sound too amazing.

Still, it’s better to have two options rather than one.

But it does not seem as though the ex-Nottingham Forest man will be heading to Elland Road this month anyway, based on Hay’s remarks.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to send this centre-forward out on loan to a La Liga club with an announcement due soon.