Just this week, Alan Pardew told West Ham United that the Hammers needed to invest when the January window opened to stand any chance of finishing above Leeds United.
LeedsUnited.News declared Saturday’s clash between Leeds and Crystal Palace as Daniel Farke’s biggest in charge at Elland Road. Largely, because West Ham were going to Man City, and a loss was inevitable.
Do Leeds even NEED signings after enjoying success with a 3-5-2 formation?
If Leeds could take advantage of Palace’s hectic fixture list, then they would go six clear of West Ham and a long way to realising Farke’s long-term aim at Leeds, re-establishing the club in the Premier League.
They did just that, and now, a six-point gap appears between Leeds and West Ham. Former Hammers boss Pardew says West Ham look like the third-worst side, and need to invest in January to win survival.
Leeds’ rivals West Ham eye £55m striker ahead of January deal
West Ham are expected to be busy. The Mirror (23/12, p57) says that Niclas Fullkrug is set to leave the Hammers for AC Milan on loan. Guido Rodriguez is a target for Dutch giants Ajax, on another loan deal.
But in terms of incomings, West Ham have identified a big-name striker to fire them out of danger and claw Leeds back in. Indeed, the Mirror’s report states West Ham have identified Jorgen Strand Larsen.
It comes after Larsen remained at Wolves in the summer after a £55m bid from Newcastle. They signed Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade instead, with Larsen remaining at the Premier League’s worst side.
Jamie Carragher believes the six-point gap is meaningful between Leeds and West Ham, yet it appears that West Ham are ready to invest in an attempt to get themselves out of danger and above Leeds.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
What are Leeds going to do to maintain lead over West Ham?
Right now, is there any need? The back three look excellent, the wing-backs have been playing to almost an immaculate level in the last few games and the midfield has been superb, even if it has been rotated.
Whether it is Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson or Ilia Gruev starting with Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, it has worked. Lukas Nmecha is injured, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been carrying the torch for Leeds.
Perhaps, Daniel Farke would like a creative player like Harry Wilson. Wilson admitted he would be open to a January exit if he is a starting option. Or, another striker, given Joel Piroe doesn’t look as if he fits now.
Leeds have been linked with many players, but Joshua Zirkzee looks as if he is heading off to Roma. The Whites bid £17m for Arnaud Kalimuendo in the summer and his lack of game time could tempt Leeds.
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