Leeds United transfer rumours continue to intensify around Elland Road as the January window grows closer. If the Whites are able to keep themselves just above water from now till the end of the year, the club will definitely need to spend.
Following the loss to Nottingham Forest before the international break, Leeds are now just one point above the relegation zone. And their run of upcoming fixtures sees a daunting task ahead for Daniel Farke. The club’s next four opponents are in the top half of the table, including Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.
January presents the club with a chance to get some reinforcements through the door as they push to avoid relegation. The window will also allow the Whites to offload some players who have not had the best of seasons.
Leeds United transfer rumours grow as striker linked with January move
Early in the season, Daniel Farke made it clear how Leeds would handle Harry Gray. After making his senior debut at the end of last season, he has become a fixture in the first team squad. Even though he has barely played in the Premier League, he often trains with the first team and makes some matchday squads.
| Competition | Games Played | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League 2 | 6 | 5 |
| EFL Trophy | 2 | 2 |
| Premier League Intl U21 Cup | 1 | 0 |
Gray has also been starring for the youth sides and caught a lot of attention when he scored a hat-trick earlier this season. There were calls for him to become a starter following the club’s poor run of form in front of goal, but he remained on the bench for most games. Harry Gray recently signed his first senior professional contract and could now be set for a move in January.
Alan Nixon revealed via his Patreon that Derby County, Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and Hull City are interested in a loan deal for the young striker in January. All these teams had officials in attendance when the Leeds Under 21s played Accrington Stanley midweek.
A loan move is the best for all parties
Now that Gray has been tied down for the long term, he needs serious first-team experience. He will not get that in the Premier League this season with his side battling to stay afloat, so a loan deal is the best option.
| Club | League Position | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Derby County | 10th | 20 |
| Charlton Athletic | 9th | 16 |
| Swansea City | 18th | 15 |
| Hull City | 5th | 26 |
Charlton, Derby, Swansea and Hull are clubs where Gray would get a chance to play in the first team.
Farke said earlier this season that the young striker needs patience and playing time to develop. Allowing him to finish the second half of the season in the Championship will see him play in a more suitable environment than the current atmosphere at Elland Road.
Leeds should really look into these potential offers for the January transfer window. However, it remains to be seen whether the Whites boss believes that the young striker is ready for regular first team football, even in the Championship.
