Leeds could be close to another big-name striker acquisition in the form of Brentford star Ollie Watkins. Watkins has featured in Leeds United transfer news throughout the window, but things had gone quiet of late.
According to Football Insider, Brentford have lined up Peterborough goal-getter Ivan Toney as their permanent replacement for Watkins, opening the door for the 24-year-old to leave the club this window.
Several Premier League clubs have interest in Watkins, including Aston Villa, who are led by Watkins’ former manager Dean Smith.
Sources told Football Insider Leeds retain interest in Watkins even with the progress they are making towards a deal for Valencia forward Rodrigo.
Marcelo Bielsa is looking for two new strikers this offseason to accompany Patrick Bamford. Sam Greenwood, set to arrive from Arsenal, is unlikely to be involved with the first team straight away.
Brentford want around £25 million for Watkins, however, a fee that has put off some Premier League clubs.
Leicester, Fulham, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Brighton have all joined Leeds and Villa by showing interest in Watkins, but at this stage, Villa appear to be in pole position.
Hay Doubts Links To Lazio Star
It was reported by 888Sport on Thursday that Leeds have shown an interest in Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay doubts the legitimacy of these links. Leeds were allegedly preparing a bid over £25 million for Felipe, but when asked by a Leeds fan on Twitter, Hay was sceptical of the reports.
Replying to a fan asking about the ‘Lazio links’, Hay said, “They’re so far on with Koch that I doubt it”.
Hay is referring to Freiburg defender Robin Koch, a player Leeds have been pursuing for a while since they missed out on Brighton defender Ben White.
The suggestion of a move for Felipe came out of nowhere, and it appears there is little in it.
Given the figures being mentioned for attacking options, Felipe might be out of Leeds’ price range for a centre-back. Koch could be a much better value signing.
Mills Warns Leeds Of Overspending
Former Leeds man Danny Mills believes Leeds should be cautious of their spending in this transfer window. He thinks they should abandon their move for Rangers winger Ryan Kent.
Mills said, "You are talking about another wide player that possibly can score goals. It would still be a little bit of a gamble, he's not proven in the Premier League as yet.”
It wasn’t just Kent that Mills was critical of, however.
"Also how much money have Leeds got to spend, how much do they want to spend? Do they want Rodrigo and then do they want Ryan Kent and then do they want somebody else and do they need a centre half.”
Mills is not the first, and won’t be the last, to question Leeds’ transfer policy. Only time will tell if the club have got it right.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
