Leeds United could enter the January transfer market for a new striker and the latest name to be touted with a move to Elland Road is Middlesbrough goal-getter Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Ivory Coast star Latte Lath, 26, is considered one of the Championship’s best goalscorers at the moment having netted 26 goals in 56 Championship games since arriving at Boro from Serie A side Atalanta.
Leeds have four options up top, as things stand. Joel Piroe is first choice and while he has had a hand in 15 goals this season, the Dutchman is often guilty for going under the radar in games when he’s needed.
Mateo Joseph promised much in pre-season but has only scored twice, while Patrick Bamford is injured again and Joe Gelhardt is edging towards a move to Hull. There is an argument that Leeds need a striker.
Leeds receive boost in pursuit of Emmanuel Latte Lath this week
LeedsUnited.News understands that Leeds want to sign Latte Lath, who is said to be keen on a move away from Middlesbrough. Michael Carrick’s Boro want a fee of £15m if they are to sell Latte Lath.
Leeds though, are not alone in pursuit of the forward with Premier League clubs in the mix to land the striker before the January deadline. But Leeds have just received a boost with one club pulling out.
Indeed, West Ham had been touted with a move for Latte Lath but it seems there are bigger things going on at West Ham currently. Graham Potter is closing in on a move to replace manager Julen Lopetegui.
Give Me Sport say that West Ham are not currently planning to make a move for Latte Lath despite the initial reports suggesting the Hammers were interested. A boost for Leeds, with the Hammers stalling.
Latte Lath’s stats this compared to Leeds United’s strikers
The former Atalanta striker has impressed in his second season in English football, with the forward one of just five Championship players to have reached double digits – alongside Leeds striker Piroe on 10.
| Name | Club | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Emmanuel Latte Lath | Middlesbrough | 26 (17) | 1577 | 10 | 2 | 131.4 |
| Joel Piroe | Leeds | 26 (16) | 1420 | 10 | 5 | 94.7 |
| Mateo Joseph | Leeds | 26 (11) | 1093 | 2 | 3 | 218.6 |
| Patrick Bamford | Leeds | 10 (0) | 123 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Joe Gelhardt | Leeds | 2 (0) | 9 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
Clearly, Latte Late is a top striker, scoring as many goals as Piroe in a side that do not create as many chances as Leeds. The African forward though, has played almost two full matches more than Piroe.
If Leeds are to go in for Latte Lath then it would be a stunning signing, but is he really an improvement on Piroe? Latte Lath would warm the bench behind Piroe and Joseph would be relegated to third-choice.
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