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6 goals in last 8 games, Cellino had right idea targeting Champions League winner for Leeds

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino (Reuters)
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The one striker Leeds did want to join in January was reportedly Marco Borriello.

Revie Stand, Elland Road. Leeds United v Accrington Stanley, League Cup 2014Revie Stand, Elland Road

Leeds United’s failure to sign another striker in January may just have cost them dear.

Chris Wood has performed miracles up front, but he has been unable to do it all by himself and the Whites are set to miss out on the play-offs.

Too many games, 1-0 losses to Reading and Wolves, 2-1 to Huddersfield, could easily have been swung another way if they had another goal poacher to call on.

Leeds did not pursue players like Zach Clough in January who could have made a difference, but one player co-owner Massimo Cellino was keen on signing was Marco Borriello.

Marco Borriello at RomaMarco Borriello at Roma

The former Italy international is now 34 and has been enjoying a renaissance season with Cagliari.

Italian newspaper La Nuevo Sardegna reported in early January that Cellino approached his former club over buying Borriello, only to be met with a swift knockback.

The striker’s form since has suggested he would indeed have been the right addition.

In his last eight games, Borriello has scored six goals, netted in six different matches.

Marco Borriello at AC MilanMarco Borriello at AC Milan

In all competitions this season Borriello has scored 20 goals in 33 games, 16 of which have come in Serie A.

Cagliari understandably did not want to sell a player who once won the Champions League with AC Milan, but Leeds were on the right track.

It makes it all the more frustrating that Leeds did not try harder to sign the veteran, or switch their attentions to another striker, instead making do with adding two wingers to their squad on loan deals.