David Prutton has reiterated Leeds need a new striker.
There is one ingredient missing from Leeds United’s squad if they are to truly challenge for Championship promotion into the Premier League come May 2018 – and that is a proven second-tier goalscorer.
The sale of Chris Wood to Burnley in the summer saw Leeds move for German striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga, but he has hardly mirrored the goalscoring form of New Zealand international Wood, who amassed 27 league goals last term.
The Whites have also used the likes of Caleb Ekuban and Kemar Roofe to spearhead Christiansen’s 4-2-3-1 system, and although the latter has impressed, he does not possess the physicality to be a focal point.
Former Leeds midfielder and now Sky Sports pundit David Prutton claimed his Yorkshire Evening Post column that adding a striker in January, and nothing else, would galvanise the Leeds side in their promotion chase.
“Leeds have had a nice spread of goals around the team but it would be good for them to have someone that can share the burden going forward,” Prutton said. “Maybe that marquee signing is the one that really galvanises the club in January.”
A striker with a proven track record of scoring regularly in the Championship is required, and that should see Christiansen throw his Leeds hat into the ring to sign Derby County powerhouse Chris Martin.
The Sun claim in Friday’s paper edition (Page 60) that Championship trio Reading, Sunderland and Fulham are all eyeing a move for the 29-year-old, who is out of favour at Derby after starting just seven times under manager Gary Rowett.
Boasting similar qualities to Wood in terms of strength, aerial prowess and an eye for goal, it is Martin’s Championship record that should convince Leeds. The 17-time Scotland international has scored 81 goals in 276 second-tier outings.
With a ratio of almost one in every three games, and 55 of those appearances coming off the bench, Martin knows more than most when it comes to scoring in the Championship.
Although it remains to be sen what price Derby would charge for their number nine, surely he is worth luring to Elland Road this month?
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