Leeds United are being linked with a plethora of different players ahead of the January window and while Daniel Farke expects a quiet window, the race for an in-form star is hotting up.
The Leeds manager has made it clear he is not expecting mountains to move in the winter window. But, potential departures could fuel the need to enter the transfer market and bring in some replacements.
That, and the memory of Ipswich going hard last January. Kieran McKenna’s men made a number of big signings and it propelled them towards automatic promotion, while Leeds only made one new signing.
That lack of depth hit Leeds towards the end of the season and with the likes of Pascal Struijk and Patrick Bamford injured, Leeds had to contend with the play-offs. This January, Leeds want to sign Louie Barry.
Middlesbrough winning race to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa
With Patrick Bamford a possible exit at Leeds and Joe Gelhardt keen to leave Elland Road, Leeds may find they need a striker and Barry is a target. It comes after he has scored 15 goals while on loan at Stockport.
On Sunday, Aston Villa confirmed they will be recalling Barry. It is believed the “huge talent” will now be sent on loan to a Championship club as Unai Emery’s side look to further Barry’s development this term.
However, journalist Darren Witcoop has an update. He says Middlesbrough are one of the front runners to land Barry’s signature in the January market, though Derby County are also pushing to land Barry.
He said: “Barry is the subject of interest from a number of Championship clubs. Middlesbrough remain among the front runners for the forward’s signature but Derby also now pushing.”
The issue Leeds have with trying to tempt Louie Barry in January
With clubs like Middlesbrough and Derby, they can promise Barry regular first-team football and the chance to start games in the Championship. Can Leeds provide that, with Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe?
Probably not. While Piroe and Joseph have hardly set the world alight this season, it must be remembered that Piroe has had a hand in 11 goals and only five other Championship players have more this season.
But the race to sign Barry is certainly hotting up and Leeds will be a much better side if they can convince Aston Villa and Barry to send the youngster to Elland Road on loan for the second half of the season.
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