The summer transfer window closed for English clubs on Tuesday, but nothing is stopping Leeds United from signing someone on a free transfer.
Leeds add seven fresh faces to a squad that finished 14th in the Premier League table last season and have definitely upgraded in a few areas of their team.
However, Daniel Farke conceded this week that he would have preferred to sign a couple more senior forwards before the window closed, and Leeds do look short on strikers.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nemecha are the only two recognised strikers in the Leeds squad, and both have a chequered injury history.
Read More: Three free-agent strikers Leeds can still sign after deadline day, including Premier League legend
Former Manchester United star offered to Leeds on a free transfer
Leeds can still sign free agents if they want to secure additional signings before the winter transfer window, and several experienced strikers are without a club at the moment.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds are amongst the clubs who have been offered a chance to sign former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial on a free transfer.
Martial, now 30, is available as a free agent and would prefer to return to the Premier League, where he scored 63 goals in 209 top-flight appearances for Manchester United.
His representatives have been in touch with several Premier League sides, and Leeds are amongst the clubs they have contacted.
Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Newcastle United, Sunderland and Tottenham have also been contacted by the Frenchman’s camp.
There is little to suggest that any of the clubs are actively pursuing the forward who left Mexican side C.F. Monterrey as a free agent.
However, they have been made aware of the former Old Trafford star’s availability and his interest in returning to the Premier League.
Leeds should stay away from signing Anthony Martial
The Whites’ failure to sign another striker this summer makes Anthony Martial an obvious name to consider, particularly with the former Manchester United forward available as a free agent. But Leeds should resist the temptation to make a move simply because there is no transfer fee involved.
Martial is now 30 and his recent career offers little evidence that he can provide the consistency Leeds need in the Premier League. His best days at Manchester United feel increasingly distant, while spells away from England have done little to suggest he is ready to become a reliable No.9 again.
There is also a question of fit. Leeds already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, so adding Martial would only make sense if he offered something genuinely different and dependable. His versatility is useful, but it does not necessarily address Leeds’ need for another proven goalscorer.
The free-agent market means Leeds can still add a striker, but they should not panic. If the right option is not available, waiting until January is preferable to turning a lack of summer business into an expensive gamble on Martial.
Hes shite
Free is far too expensive