The Southampton striker received a name-check, as those of a Leeds United persuasion discussed the upcoming transfer window.
Leeds United appear to have put their autumn blip behind them, and look good for a top six finish once more.
That’s not to say that business won’t be done in January, however, as the Whites strive for a return to the Premier League following 14 years away.
But what can we expect of Thomas Christiansen’s side, in terms of incomings, when the transfer window opens? HITC tracked down three Leeds fans to find out…
Will Butcher (@willbutcher8)
What do you think Leeds’ budget will be?
After bringing in a whole of influx of players in the summer transfer window, I can’t see the budget being much more than £7-10 million.
In what positions do they need to strengthen?
A new left-back with Gaetano Berardi out of form, but the biggest priority will be to sign a proven Championship striker to replace the departed Chris Wood.
Who would be your dream January signing?
Would love to have an ex-Leeds player back in, someone like [Everton’s] Aaron Lennon.
Who would be a realistic January signing?
It’s difficult to say a realistic signing, as they all seem to arrive from abroad these days. But I could see us signing a striker like [Preston North End’s] Jordan Hugill, for example.
Which players do you expect Leeds to sign in January?
Some young players on loan. We’ve been linked with Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, so similar kind of players from the Premier League.
Jordan Harris (@JordanHarris811)
What do you think Leeds’ budget will be?
I don’t think it’ll be much. I would guess about £3 million. I can’t see us spending more than that. I think loans and academy players will make up most of our incomings.
In what positions do they need to strengthen?
Our best XI is pretty strong. A new left-back is probably the priority. A new goalkeeper and striker would be great, as long as they’re not just squad options.
Who would be your dream January signing?
[Red Bull Salzburg striker] Moanes Dabour has been linked with us. I can’t see it happening, but hoping there’s no smoke without fire regarding the links. [Bristol City’s] Joe Bryan is probably out of our price range now, but he has been excellent this season and would solve our left-back problem.
Who would be a realistic January signing?
I really think we should go after someone like David Stockdale. We should have moved in the summer and with Birmingham struggling, we should look at January as a second chance.
Which players do you expect Leeds to sign in January?
[Gamba Osaka’s Yosuke] Ideguchi seems to be a done deal. Signing Tobias Figueiredo would not be that much of a surprise given we’ve signed players from Sporting before.
Jonathan Peel (@JPeel05)
What do you think Leeds’ budget will be?
I think our January budget will be fairly minuscule as the director of football [Victor Orta] and manager [Thomas Christiansen] have both said on a number of occasions that they’ll not be looking to do much business in January, if any at all. If the opportunity to sign someone is there though I wouldn’t think we’d have any problem paying what was needed.
In what positions do they need to strengthen?
One of our problem positions this season has been the goalkeeper, with neither Felix Wiedwald nor Andy Lonergan doing much to encourage any sort of faith. But equally I wouldn’t expect us to sign a keeper in January, it doesn’t seem like the done thing. We’ve got cult-hero (and right-back) Geatano Berardi as first choice left-back at the minute and are still lacking a regular replacement for Chris Wood up front – so those positions are more likely to be filled.
Who would be your dream January signing?
Luciano Becchio circa 2011.
Who would be a realistic January signing?
Some striker on loan from the Premier League. What’s Danny Ings doing these days? Or Shane Long, is he busy?
Which players do you expect Leeds to sign in January?
I’d be pretty shocked if we signed anyone given the noises that have been coming from the club recently. An additional striker would just help us kick on though.
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