Are Leeds set for more striker frustration amid Patrick Bamford links?

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Leeds United are reportedly monitoring Patrick Bamford, but previous reports on his asking price may alarm the Elland Road faithful.

After weeks of frustration, it appears that Leeds’ transfer window may finally be about to get off and running with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that the Whites are hoping to tie up a £5 million move for Barry Douglas in the coming days.

Douglas joining would be a tremendous statement of intent, but it is one that Marcelo Bielsa will undoubtedly want to be followed by several more signings in quick succession given that the new season is little more than a week away.

One area that Leeds must strengthen is up front. The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the Whites are monitoring Patrick Bamford from Middlesbrough after hitting brick walls in their pursuits of Matej Vydra and Abel Hernandez.

The Yorkshire Evening Post’s report suggests that Tony Pulis is keen to clear some space on the wage bill, but hints that Britt Assombalonga is the striker that he would prefer to move on, with Bamford featuring in pre-season.

And based on a report regarding Bamford’s situation from last month, it would appear that Leeds may perhaps be in for more frustration should they go after the former Chelsea youngster.

According to TEAMtalk in June, Boro want around £16 million for the 24-year-old who scored 13 goals in all competitions last season. Meeting that price would make the striker Leeds’ fourth most expensive signing ever, according to transfermarkt.

Given their reservations over potential deals for Vydra and Hernandez, it would be a surprise if they were willing to pay £16 million for Bamford, especially as his career record hardly jumps off the page barring two impressive seasons at the Riverside Stadium.

Pulis may shock everyone and decide that a lower offer – if it comes in – is good enough, but given Bamford’s form since the Welshman’s appointment and his involvement in pre-season, it would be a surprise if Middlesbrough have any intention of letting him head to Elland Road for a fee that would make a deal only look like a small gamble from the Whites.

Unfortunately for Bielsa, it appears that the signs point towards Bamford being another player who may be out of reach for Leeds unless something unexpected happens in the remaining days of the window.