Leeds should take opportunity to weaken West Brom.
In a division as competitive as the Championship, clubs vying for promotion must seize every chance they get.
And it isn’t often a club gets a chance to strengthen, and weaken a direct rival.
That’s precisely what Leeds United should be considering regarding West Bromwich Albion.
The Telegraph report Baggies striker Jay Rodriguez is free to leave if a club meets his £5 million release clause.
Rodriguez, a former England international, scored 22 goals last season for West Brom in 47 games.
That’s more than any of Leeds’ strikers managed, with Kemar Roofe netting 15 and Patrick Bamford 10.
Both players’ seasons were affected by injury, which is precisely why Leeds need another alternative.
There is Premier League interest in Rodriguez, so signing the Baggies forward won’t be easy.
It certainly looks like one of Leeds’ promotion rivals is set to be weakened.
But the Whites should set about trying to be the ones to really benefit, and bringing the 29-year-old to Elland Road.
He can be the target man which Marcelo Bielsa’s sides have previously utilised so well, and Leeds currently lack.
£5 million is a snip in the current market and Leeds should make a statement by activating the release clause.
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