Leicester City’s Argentine striker appears certain to leave the King Power Stadium having previously been linked with Leeds United.
Leeds United have hardly hidden their desire to add a new striker to their ranks in January. However, as we move towards the final third of the transfer window, Chris Wood remains The Whites’ undisputed first choice with reported interest in Ashley Fletcher, David Nugent, Jordan Rhodes and co stopping at the speculation stage.
However, while the aforementioned trio are either overly expensive or have their hearts set on a different destination, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Leonardo Ulloa was to rule that enough is well and truly enough at Leicester City.
The 30-year-old has only started once in the Premier League this season and the Leicester Mercury reported on Tuesday that the striker will engage in crunch talks with the ailing champions, determined as he is to depart in January.
And, according to the Yorkshire Post, Garry Monk’s Leeds could be ready to pounce.
Ulloa is a proven Championship goalscorer having found the net prolifically during his time with Brighton but what would he provide that Wood fails to bring to the table? Aerial prowess and a plan B? On paper, yes, but the statistics suggest otherwise.
According to WhoScored, Wood has surprisingly emerged victorious in more headed duels per game in the last two years than the Leicester hitman. Even at his Brighton best, Ulloa only won 2.8 headers per game, a tally far lower than Wood’s 3.4 this season.
Therefore, if Monk wants a striker who can offer something different, pacey, diminutive forwards with the ability to drift in behind defences and skip away from challenges is the answer rather than Ulloa.
After all, the Argentine is a true penalty box striker, a physical presence renowned for his predatory instincts rather than pace or technical ability. Just like Wood. Possibly too much like Wood.
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