Leeds United are looking to sign a striker with Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt possibly set to leave the club in the January transfer window, but Derby County are leading the race for one option.
Daniel Farke’s side are well-stocked up top. On Saturday, Patrick Bamford failed to make the bench due to a hamstring injury and he was quickly replaced in the squad by Joe Gelhardt, who remained unused.
But Bamford is a target for Wrexham and Genoa with Leeds willing to green light Bamford’s sale if clubs come forward. Gelhardt meanwhile, is keen on a move with overseas clubs asking Leeds about Gelhardt.
Leeds could do with a new striker if Bamford and Gelhardt leave Elland Road this month and one option if Aston Villa’s Louie Barry. Villa recalled Barry this month after his sparkling form on loan at Stockport.
Derby County now leading Leeds in race to sign Louie Barry
Having netted 16 goals during the first half of the season, Barry’s form has caught the eye. Leeds are said to be rivalling Sunderland, Burnley and Middlesbrough while Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are also keen.
But now, Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon channel that actually, it is Derby County that have stolen a march in the race for Barry. Largely because, Barry would go straight into Derby’s starting line-up now.
At Leeds, Barry would only be an option off the bench for Joel Piroe with Mateo Joseph currently playing back-up to the Dutchman. That won’t suit Barry or Villa, who will want the “outstanding” star to play.
Carlton Palmer picks which club Louie Barry should now join
You might have been forgiven for thinking that as a former Elland Road player, Carlton Palmer might have touted Leeds as Barry’s best choice. But he chose different when discussing Barry in the last few days.
Palmer believes Leeds target Barry should join Sunderland. Indeed, a move to the Stadium of Light may suit given Regis Le Bris’ willingness to use young and exciting players in the Black Cats’ final third.
But does Barry even start for Sunderland given the form of Wilson Isidor? It might be that a move to Derby may suit Barry if the Villa ace is focused on game time and starting more often than not.
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