Leeds United are still awaiting their first new arrival of the January window.
With transfer deadline day upon us, here is a look at five talking points that Leeds United fans are discussing on fan forums LUFC Talk and Marching on Together…
Report: Newcastle among clubs who have missed out on Leeds-bound winger Alfonso Pedraza
Will Alfonso Pedraza’s expected arrival have impact on any striker business?
Alfonso Pedraza is expected to complete a loan move to Elland Road before the deadline (via The Sun). And while the 20-year-old is actually a winger, some fans have suggested that his arrival may have an impact on whether Garry Monk manages to bring in another striker. Souleymane Doukara has predominantly played out on the wing this season, but the addition of Pedraza could allow the Senegalese to concentrate on providing cover for Chris Wood. Whether that would appease supporters remains to be seen…
Will the Spaniards shine alongside each other?
Leeds’ Pablo Hernandez in action with Derby’s Bradley Johnson
Pedraza’s arrival will surely see him play alongside Pablo Hernandez as part of the three that play off the main striker should Monk continue with the 4-2-3-1 system, and fans are excited about what that could mean. Hernandez has been incredibly creative since his arrival, and supporters are hoping that the incoming winger can make a similar impact and help send Wood’s goals tally for the season towards the 30 mark rapidly.
Brentford and West Ham’s business
Two of Garry Monk’s main targets during this window appeared to be West Ham’s Ashley Fletcher and Sergi Canos of Norwich City (via Yorkshire Evening Post), but their chances of landing the pair are seemingly reliant on what the Hammers and Brentford do in the final hours of the month. The Yorkshire Evening Post stated that Fletcher’s move was reliant on West Ham landing a striker while the Daily Star suggest that Norwich only want to let Canos go permanently while the Whites want a loan move. This is where the Bees come in.
Firstly, the Hammers’ primary striker target appears to have been Scott Hogan but that deal now looks to be dead (via Sky Sports’ live transfer feed; January 31st 2017; 06:40) so Fletcher may be forced to stay put.
Meanwhile, the Canaries may have been more willing to let Canos leave on loan had they had no permanent offers, but Brentford have now made a permanent bid (via Sky Sports’ live transfer feed; January 31st 2017; 08:03) leaving Leeds supporters to wonder where Monk goes from here.
Marcus Antonsson
Leeds’ Marcus Antonsson in action
When Marcus Antonsson arrived at Leeds in the summer, there was definitely a feeling that his move could have been a gamble. The 25-year-old had not played in England but arrived having scored 10 in his last 12 games for former club Kalmar. Unfortunately, it appears that the gamble is destined to not pay off with the striker scoring just one league goal and putting in a very poor showing in the cup defeat to Sutton United at the weekend. With Wood’s position as first choice unlikely to change anytime soon, some fans have questioned whether letting the Swede leave in some capacity could be worth considering.
Five things Leeds United fans were talking about on Monday evening
The former player fans don’t want back
Given the players that Leeds have sold on numerous occasions in recent years, there is often plenty of discussion surrounding which former star the Elland Road faithful would like back. One player who fans appear to have virtually no desire to see return is Ross McCormack, even though Monk has been targeting a striker during this window (via Yorkshire Evening Post). McCormack is free to leave Aston Villa this month and has fallen out with Steve Bruce (via Sky Sports), and despite his often impressive record for the Whites, fans are urging the club hierarchy to not be the ones to offer him a way out.
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