Which would you prefer at Leeds United, Charlie Taylor or Jordan Rhodes?
HITC Sport asked Leeds United fans this weekend who they would like to sign, and Jordan Rhodes was a common response.
The Middlesbrough striker is available for transfer one year since switching from Blackburn Rovers, and his departure is likely to be accelerated by Patrick Bamford’s arrival on a permanent deal yesterday.
The Mail report Aston Villa are bidding, but Middlesbrough are demanding £9 million for the striker, who has a sustained and prolific Championship record.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes in action with West Ham United’s Adrian
Stumping up with that figure would not be easy for Leeds though, with their record fee over the past decade being £3 million paid for both Chris Wood and Kemar Roofe in consecutive seasons.
Leeds helped offset these deals with money acquired from selling Sam Byram and Lewis Cook, and tough as it may be, they may have to entertain letting Charlie Taylor leave this January if it means they can sign Jordan Rhodes.
Taylor has just six months remaining on his contract and is no closer to signing a renewal. There will be no shortage of suitors if Leeds allow him to move on, with The Guardian reporting the Whites have rejected £7 million offers this month from Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, and West Bromwich Albion.
Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum in action with Leeds’ Charlie Taylor
Leeds could cover Taylor’s departure between Tyler Denton and Gaetano Berardi, and could look also at a deal for an alternative.
Signing Jordan Rhodes would quell the disappointment at Taylor leaving, with Leeds pressured into a corner thanks to the defender’s contract situation.
Taylor helps Leeds’ impressive defensive record, but Rhodes could be the difference between promotion and another year in the Championship.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
