Reliable journalist offers striker hunt update and details latest Leeds stance on Billy Sharp
Billy Sharp is dropping down the pecking order of Leeds United striker targets this month, according to LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported earlier this month that an Elland Road return had come under consideration for Sharp, 33, as Marcelo Bielsa aims to add a new striker to his squad before the end of the January transfer window.
Sharp has scored one goal and made 13 appearances in all competitions for Sheffield United this season but has only managed to start once in the Premier League since the Blades’ promotion from the Championship.
Although he has struggled for goals and game-time in the top-flight, the former Leeds striker remains a proven source of goals in the second-tier and possibly emerged on the Whites’ radar due to this.
However an update by LeedsLive’s Cross suggests that it is becoming less and less likely that Sharp will return to Elland Road this month.
“The [Che] Adams deal is not dead yet,” said Cross on the LeedsLive website on Wednesday. “As for the alternatives, there are still several irons in the fire in this country and on the continent.
“Watford are talking when it comes to Andre Gray, but his wages are astronomical. [Dwight] Gayle’s injury puts him out of the picture. Sharp is falling further down the pecking order of options.
“Bielsa is being very precise about who he wants and not just nodding at any option Victor Orta puts on his desk.”
Cross’ final point is one that Leeds United fans need to bear in mind as frustration begins to start taking over.
Yes, we are around halfway through the January transfer window and no, Leeds have not signed a replacement for Eddie Nketiah yet.
But as we get to a later point in the window, clubs could be more susceptible to selling or loaning out players and players could also become more twitchy about finding a new club.
Sharp must be really low down Leeds’ list of targets at the moment with Adams and Gray looking as though they are the top two.
Let’s see if Southampton and Watford chance their stance in the coming days or weeks because a lot can happen before February 1.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit is unconvinced by the Whites’ pursuit of this international striker.