Harvey Barnes reportedly picked out his Leeds United squad number before signing for Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion instead.
The Championship table is starting to take shape and, as it stands, Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion are among the favourites to finish in the top two.
Leeds started like a runaway train under Marcelo Bielsa, but recent injuries to Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe have coincided with a run of two wins in seven. In the meantime, West Brom have hit their stride in ominous fashion and are just a point behind Sheffield United in second, one ahead of Leeds.
The Baggies have been aided by the outstanding form of Leicester City loanee Harvey Barnes. The 20-year-old has been a revelation at The Hawthorns, scoring five times and assisting another two already for a West Brom side who have netted the most goals (31) in the Championship.
But, according to the Express and Star, Barnes was actually on the verge of joining Leeds instead. It is claimed that the England U21 international had even chosen his shirt number at Elland Road before changing his mind and heading to West Brom instead.
Could this sudden U-turn have a major impact on the promotion race? Barnes’ form has lifted West Brom above Leeds in the table and, as it stands, Darren Moore’s side look like the most dangerous in the division.
Leeds, however, have appeared a little toothless on occasion in the absence of Roofe and Hernandez. Bielsa’s side could have turned those five draws into valuable wins with a match-winner like Barnes at their disposal.
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