As we edge closer to the January transfer window, the list of players linked with a move to Leeds United is growing and one player with 15 goals already this season is now a target for Daniel Farke.
Daniel Farke will know that the one outstanding area requiring improvement ahead of January is his lack of options in the 10 role aside from Brenden Aaronson. Graham Smyth expects Leeds to move for a no.10.
But there are arguments to be made for a new left-back and possibly a striker. An injury to Junior Firpo, twinned with doubts over his long-term future, means a left-back could be targeted in the next window.
Leeds have Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph but none of the three have really been trusted to start week in, week out. Now, Leeds are targeting a striker that has already scored 15 times this term.
Graeme Bailey says Leeds waiting on Aston Villa decision
Reports over the weekend said Leeds were interested in signing Aston Villa’s Louie Barry. The talented star has scored 15 goals in 21 games for League One side Stockport County, alongside captain Lew Bate.
Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Burnley were also linked in the initial report and since then, Sheffield United have been touted with a move for Barry. But it all depends on what happens with his current loan.
A transfer would mean Villa recalling Barry from Stockport before selling or sending him back on loan. Stockport boss Dave Challinor admits it is out of his side’s control, and Graeme Bailey now has an update.
He told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are one of a number of clubs keen on Barry, but Aston Villa are yet to make a decision – while Barry is yet to decide what to do: “Villa haven’t made a definitive decision.
“I don’t think the player has either. Obviously there’s a few clubs linked, I’m told Leeds are one of them – not sure if it’s at an advanced stage or anything but it is definitely one Leeds are keeping an eye on.”
Louie Barry would be a sensational signing for Leeds
Barry offers something completely different to what Leeds have up front at the moment. Bamford is the kind of striker capable of dictating two centre-backs, ready for an aerial duel while Joseph works hard.
| Name | Club | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Mateo Joseph | Leeds | 21 (10) | 972 | 2 | 3 | 194.4 |
| Joel Piroe | Leeds | 21 (12) | 1089 | 7 | 3 | 108.9 |
| Louie Barry | Stockport | 20 (19) | 1555 | 14 | 1 | 103.7 |
He has that pace to be able to start the press. Piroe is more of a striker that drops deep and like to get involved in transition, but with the “outstanding” Barry, he is utterly clinical, immense technical ability.
His form this season, albeit at League One level, is remarkable. Only one other player has scored more goals in England’s top-four leagues and that is Norwich’s Borja Sainz, making Barry a serious signing.
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