Leeds United have been in the market for a new striker, and the chances of Jordan Rhodes leaving Middlesbrough appear to have been boosted.
Going into transfer deadline day, Leeds United boss Garry Monk’s priority was signing a new striker, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, and it appeared that that striker would most likely be Ashley Fletcher.
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However, the Yorkshire Evening Post is now reporting that Fletcher will not be joining on loan as West Ham decided against pursuing a move for Brentford’s Scott Hogan, and Monk is running out of time to bolster his options up front.
But could a player who previously appeared to be out of Leeds’ price range now be an available option?
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Jordan Rhodes’ struggles at Middlesbrough as well as his record in the Championship meant that he was perhaps one of the most highly sought-after names amongst fans of clubs in the second tier who ideally needed a new goalscorer during this window.
However, his price tag – reported to be around £12 million (via The Sun) – would have ruled a lot of teams out of the running for his signature, arguably including Leeds whose acquisition of Chris Wood remains one of their most extravagant purchases since their relegation from the top flight in 2004 at around £3 million (via transfermarkt).
But while it is not clear whether Leeds have had any interest in signing Rhodes, their chances of landing him if they attempted a late bid appear to have been boosted, and they should surely be a club that takes advantage.
According to the Birmingham Mail, Rhodes – who has been heavily linked with Aston Villa – could now be available for a loan deal as Boro attempt to get him off their books before the deadline, which means that his arrival at Elland Road would now be a considerably smaller gamble.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes
And with Villa’s acquisition of Hogan perhaps meaning that they will be less keen on signing Rhodes, it may be easier for Leeds to tempt the striker into a deal should they pursue a move as there are fewer clubs attempting to win the race.
Rhodes showed during his time at Blackburn that he can be ruthless in the second tier, and having that kind of player within the squad could be massive for Monk’s side’s chances of promotion.
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Whether Leeds are actually interested remains to be seen, but surely the news that he could be available on loan should be something that the Elland Road hierarchy take notice of and act upon.
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