Noel Whelan assesses Leeds-bound Tyler Roberts as £2.5m move edges closer

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Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Tyler Roberts in the final hours of the January transfer window.

Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that there must be something about Tyler Roberts as Leeds reportedly close in on a deal for the West Brom striker, and insisted that the Whites have the players in their squad that can ensure that the teenager is successful at Elland Road.

Leeds look set to give their fans something to smile about during the final days of the January transfer window, with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that the Whites are in advanced talks to sign Roberts for an initial £2.5 million.

With the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that a host of sides were chasing Roberts – whose deal with the Baggies expires at the end of the season – it could certainly be suggested that it is a coup for Leeds to land the 19-year-old. And Whelan seemed to be cautiously optimistic when asked for his reaction with Leeds seemingly closing in on a deal.

“If he’s an under-21 international it means that he’s got something about him. There’s something obviously there. You’re not an international for no reason. He’s young enough. The fact that he’s been playing at Shrewsbury and Walsall, I don’t know too much about him,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“He could be a bit like Kemar Roofe, takes him a bit of time to adjust, different kind of level, different kind of pace, different kind of strength in players, but he’s got some pace, got a bit of height and stature about him.

“There’s no doubt you’re going to get chances when you’ve got everyone fit in Saiz, Hernandez, Alioski, Dallas, Kemar Roofe, all these players, they can provide. If you’ve got a little bit of cleverness about you, a little bit of strength and some pace, you’ll score goals at this club but we need to get everyone out there.”

Roberts looked extremely bright during his loan spell at Walsall earlier in the season, and there is no question that it is a major statement from the Whites to seemingly land a player who so many clubs seemed to see the potential in.

The Whites hierarchy have come in for criticism during this window for some of the decisions they have, or seemingly have not made, in the transfer market, but they surely deserve a huge amount of credit if they manage to get a deal for Roberts across the line.