Things seem to be happening behind the scenes at Leeds United with the club seemingly looking to bring in one or two new signings before the end of the January transfer window.
Having said he expected a quiet window for much of the month, Daniel Farke changed tact last week and said he would like three positions strengthened. He wants a striker, a no.10 and a centre-back at Leeds.
Cameron Archer seems to be the striker Leeds are targeting. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are confident of beating Sunderland to the signing of the Southampton ace before Monday.
In defence, it is unclear if Farke will manage a new signing with Pascal Struijk fit again. But Max Wober is struggling with knee problems, and it has forced Ethan Ampadu to cover Struijk when he’s sidelined.
Carlton Palmer urges Leeds to avoid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Leeds have been surprisingly linked with a move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, likely to provide back-up or competition for Brenden Aaronson in the 10 role. The England star is currently in Turkey with Besiktas.
It is claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain, but five Premier League clubs also want to sign him before Monday. West Ham, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Speaking to Football League World, former Leeds star Carlton Palmer has urged Leeds to avoid a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain: “I don’t think it’s a good move for Leeds. I’m a big fan of Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“I think he’s been a terrific player over the years. His major problems have been his injuries, and that’s unfortunate. That’s stopped him being able to play. A fantastic footballer, I really like the way he plays.
“But he has only made six appearances this season. So, he’s highly unlikely to hit the ground running. He’s far better than the Championship, that’s for sure. But the problem is he doesn’t play enough football.
“And, he’s not going to come cheap. I think he’s a fantastic player, but he’s not fit enough. He’s not going to hit the ground running. He picks up an injury and that’s the end of that. So, it’s not good business.”
West Ham steal a march on Leeds in Oxlade-Chamberlain race
Leeds might well be interested in Oxlade-Chamberlain, even if a deal comes as a bit of a surprising one. Farke has made it clear in the past that the club want to sign young players, Josuha Guilavogui aside.
But even if The Whites wanted the 35-time England star to join from Besiktas, West Ham are leading the race for him. West Ham have opened talks to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain as Graham Potter eyes signings.
Whether Solskjaer allows him to leave the club in the coming days remains to be seen but after starting Oxlade-Chamberlain on Saturday, only his second start of the season, staying looks most likely now.
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