Alan Pardew is one of the main contenders for the Leeds United job with the bookies, so perhaps a move for an ex-Whites loanee could be considered if he gets the role.
Alan Pardew is in contention for the Leeds job according to SkyBet
According to bookmaker SkyBet, Alan Pardew is one of the leading contenders for the Leeds United job as the Championship side continue their search for Garry Monk’s successor at Elland Road.
Pardew may not even be in the running for the post as far as the Leeds hierarchy are concerned, but if he is, perhaps the Whites should consider making a move for a former Elland Road loanee that Pardew signed during his time as Crystal Palace boss.
Connor Wickham enjoyed a brief loan spell with Leeds back in 2014
Connor Wickham spent a brief period with Leeds in 2014 during a time when their team were so uninspiring that they made current Premier League stars Jack Butland and Ross Barkley – who also enjoyed short loan spells at the club – look quite average.
In 2015, Wickham joined Pardew’s Palace side and has gone on to enjoy a fairly decent spell with the Eagles, scoring seven times in 29 Premier League games.
However, his season was ended prematurely back in November as he suffered a serious injury, subsequently leaving him on the sidelines when Pardew was dismissed and during all of Sam Allardyce’s tenure at Selhurst Park.
Wickham’s season was ended early due to injury
Provided that there are no complications during his recovery, Leeds should perhaps consider offering Wickham the chance to return for another loan move.
Like Leeds, Palace are looking for a new manager currently, so there is no guarantee that Wickham will feature in his plans when he does return to full fitness, especially with the likes of Christian Benteke also in the squad.
Given how long he has been sidelined, a loan move may perhaps appeal to Palace as much as it helps Leeds out following a season where they were heavily reliant on Chris Wood when it came to finding the back of the net.
It may be an ambitious move, but if Leeds do decide to appoint Pardew as the bookies suspect they may, then perhaps the chance to be reunited with his former boss will encourage Wickham, especially if the next Palace boss has doubts and wants the 24-year-old to prove himself before he returns to the side.
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