Leeds United...,Who to Buy?

Article by Alex Schroeter

In the last few days it has been confirmed that McDermott will be given funds to bring in his targets, however with so many reported, who should he buy to boost our play-off bid? With reported targets such as Richie Wellens signing a new contract, we really need to be completing deals rather than having to read rumours of someone’s uncle spotting players within a 20 mile vicinity to give us our transfer rumour fix. So, here’s a quick look at those who could be heading through the gates of Thorp Arch:

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1. Cameron Stewart

Age: 22
Club: Hull City
Position: Winger

The former Man United player has failed to make an impact at the KC Stadium under Steve Bruce, meaning that he has been forced out on loan to Blackburn, Burnley and most recently Charlton, where he has attracted interest due to his impressive form, scoring 3 goals in 18 appearances. Leeds have been on the verge of signing him for the last few days but due to Football League rules we have been told that we will not be able to sign him on a permanent deal in January so we are now lining up a 93-day loan deal until the summer, where will be able to sign him for free. Personally, I cannot see us not signing him during this window and would add some much welcomed pace, trickery and width to the Leeds starting line-up.

2. Jimmy Kebe

Age: 29
Club: Crystal Palace
Position: Winger

The Mali international has struggled to get into the Eagles’ first team this season, managing just two Premier League appearances. However, Parish, the Palace Chairman has come out to say that he would not be thinking of doing a loan deal and with some of the top teams in the Championship reportedly after him, we may struggle to match the spending power of teams like Leicester or QPR. Despite this, if we could agree a fee Kebe may feel inclined towards Leeds as it would present the opportunity to reunite with McDermott, who he worked under so successfully at Reading. This seems a more than feasible deal to go through, whether it is on loan or on a permanent basis and would give us a fantastic wide option at this level.

3. Max Gradel

Age: 26
Club: St Etienne
Position: Winger

The ever-present rumour, and much welcomed it would be too. Our former Player of the Year has struggled to regain his place in Galtier’s starting line-up (just 10 appearances!) after suffering a serious injury towards the end of last season, hence why the ‘Mad Max to Return!’ rumours have risen from the ashes again. This time, however, the rumours seem to have credibility with both managers openly talking about enquiries and talks over a possible deal, as well as the Ivorian wanting regular football in order to cement a place in the Ivory Coast squad for nest summer’s World Cup. As much as I would love this to be true, but it really depends on our finances, in regard to a fee and wages, as well as Gradel’s willingness to drop into the second tier, with apparent interest from the Premier League sides, even if it is just Hull City.

4. Nahki Wells

Age: 23
Club: Bradford City
Position: Forward

The Bermudan international has arguably been the stand-out player in League One this year with our neighbours, scoring 15 goals in 21 appearances for the Bantams and at times winning games on his own. Such consistently impressive performances have inevitably resulted in interest from QPR, Aston Villa, Stoke, Huddersfield and Leeds. However, a deal with Wells would carry the same problem as the one for Gradel, the transfer fee, with Bradford demanding a hefty £2 million, which may prove too much for Brian, and for a player who is untested at this level. This may throw a deal into doubt, especially with wealthier rivals competing for his signature.

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