Leeds United would surely take a major step towards promotion if they managed to sign Jermain Defoe on loan in January.
January is going to be a crucial month for Leeds. After two years where disappointing winter windows have cost the Whites in the promotion race, Marcelo Bielsa needs to make some serious statements in a couple of months, particularly given the injuries he has had to deal with.
Bielsa’s nature suggests that he is anticipating a quiet month on the transfer front. But if the right player is available for an Elland Road switch, then Leeds must be ruthless and get the deal done.
And Andrea Radrizzani must be alerted to reports coming from the Sheffield Star this week suggesting that Sheffield United are keen on signing Jermain Defoe on loan for the second-half of the campaign.
The Blades sit one place below Leeds in fourth and have the same number of points as Bielsa’s men. But you have to think that getting Defoe through the door could make a massive difference in the promotion race.
And that is exactly why Leeds must rival Chris Wilder’s side if Bournemouth decide that Defoe is available for a January loan.
Kemar Roofe has been exceptional since Bielsa’s appointment and Patrick Bamford’s return will provide a huge boost for the Whites. Tyler Roberts’ impressive performances when leading the line this term can also not be overlooked.
But adding Defoe on loan for the second-half of the campaign would be a tremendous statement from Leeds. The Sun reports that he is on £65,000-a-week at the Vitality Stadium, but if the Blades are eyeing a deal, then the Whites should take encouragement that the Cherries may be prepared to cover a decent portion of his wages.
Defoe has not enjoyed the best spell with Bournemouth, but he has proved time and again that he is a lethal goalscorer who has adapted his game to ensure that he remains a valuable option at the age of 36.
Leeds have had the warnings in the last two years regarding what quiet January windows can mean for their promotion hopes. Bielsa’s men look set to be in a better position this time around.
But if they allow players such as Defoe to join their promotion rivals, they will leave themselves with another uphill battle as they look to finish in the top six.
Making their own play for Defoe therefore, could potentially be the deal that seals Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League.
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