Report: Leeds pursue loan deal for Derby’s Chris Martin – but they face one big problem

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Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing Derby County striker Chris Martin.

According to Sky Sports, Leeds United are interested in taking Derby County striker Chris Martin on loan for the rest of the season.

The Whites have already tied up deals for Aapo Halme, Yosuke Ideguchi and Laurens De Bock, but Victor Orta and co are pursuing further additions this month.

Orta oversaw the signings of four strikers over the summer, as Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Caleb Ekuban, Pawel Cibicki and Jay-Roy Grot all arrived, but none of them have consistently impressed, leading fans to believe that a proven Championship striker is needed.

Now, Sky Sports report that Leeds are interested in signing Derby County striker Chris Martin, as they want to land him on loan until the end of the season.

Martin, 29, has hit 54 goals in 162 Championship games for Derby, but his recent history with the Rams has been somewhat frustrating, having been sent out on loan to Fulham last season, scoring 10 goals in 30 games.

The Scottish international has been handed just five league starts under Gary Rowett this term, scoring only once, and he now looks set to leave Pride Park again this month.

With Derby allegedly closing in on Norwich City striker Cameron Jerome, Martin looks to be increasingly expendable, and Leeds – as well as Cardiff City – are hoping to take full advantage.

However, it’s claimed that Derby are reluctant to let Martin join another promotion rival, meaning that Leeds face a major problem in their pursuit of the burly striker, and they may have to come up with an irresistible offer to land him.