Leeds United face McCleary’s Reading in the championship on Tuesday.
Leeds United look set to enter the January transfer window, at worst, as serious play-off contenders. A couple of smart additions however, could make certain a top-six finish.
With a proposed takeover from Andrea Radrizzani looming over Elland Road, it is unlikely that Leeds will be shelling out millions and millions of pounds next month.
In reality, Whites boss Garry Monk will be on the lookout for bargains and one long-term target could fall into that category.
As reported by the South Wales Evening Post, Reading winger Garath McCleary was repeatedly linked with a move to Swansea City while Monk was in charge – and the 37-year-old could finally get his man this winter.
With seven goals and four assists in this season’s Championship, a player like McCleary would normally cost a fair whack, but the fact his contract expires next summer perhaps leaves Reading vulnerable to offers below his true valuation in January – regardless of their lofty league position.
Capable of playing on both flanks as well as up front, McCleary would be a useful signing for Leeds – whose wide men have gone a little off boil of late and who are heavily reliant on top scorer Chris Wood – while also weakening one of their promotion rivals.
Although 29, McCleary is experiencing arguably the best run of his career, as Whites fans will be well aware ahead of Tuesday’s encounter at Elland Road.
And few, I’m sure, will need reminding of the four goals the Jamaican scored against Leeds when Nottingham Forest won 7-3 there in 2012.
If nothing else, signing him would mean one less player to worry about.
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