Reports suggest Leeds United, as well as Newcastle and West Brom, are in the market for Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths this summer.
Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths
It’s fair to say the first few weeks of the post-season break have not panned out the way Leeds United would have wanted them to.
Manager Garry Monk resigned a few weeks after the end of the season, rocking up at league rivals Middlesbrough for good measure, meaning that Leeds are yet to make an impression on the transfer market with a number of reported targets, including free-agent Marley Watkins, signing deals elsewhere.
And it appears that Leeds’ hopes of finally signing Leigh Griffiths this summer may be destined to fail as well, adding to the frustration at Elland Road.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported that The Whites wanted to sign the Scotland international from Celtic two years ago, only to be priced out of a deal. The report claims that the Scottish champions’ price-tag was well out of Leeds’ grasp.
Yet, The Express and Star claim that Leeds are interested again this summer as they look for another goalscorer to ease the burden on Chris Wood.
Second time unlucky?
Netting 85 goals in 142 games since joining Celtic from Wolves in January 2014, plus demonstrating his quality from dead-ball situations with a stunning brace against England in Saturday’s 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw, there’s little doubt Griffiths would be an excellent addition.
But it appears that history may repeat itself.
Because The Mirror claims that Celtic would demand £6 million for the 26-year-old amid reported interest from Premier League duo Newcastle United and West Brom.
Furthermore, despite starting just 15 Scottish Premiership games under Brendan Rodgers last season, Griffiths told the Daily Record that his primary objective is to stay and fight for his place at Parkhead.
Therefore, it appears that Leeds’ wait for a first summer signing is likely to go on a little longer.
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