Leeds United need reinforcements this month. There’s no doubt about it, the Whites have struggled over the past few weeks, winning just one of their last seven league games.
Fortunately, there may be players on their way, and one of Leeds’ transfer targets may solve two problems at once.
What’s the story then?
The Sun on Sunday (19/1/20 pagee 65) have reported that the Yorkshire club are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion’s Rekeem Harper on loan.
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Unfortunately, they also face fierce competition from a number of their Championship rivals as the paper state that Fulham, QPR and Charlton are also in the running to sign the teenager on loan this month.
Should Harper choose Leeds ahead of the three London clubs he’d be doing Marcelo Bielsa’s side a massive favour, predominantly because his acquisition can kill two birds with one stone.
Versatility
Signing a 19-year-old who has played just six league minutes this season doesn’t sound like the best idea, but the Whites may be onto something when targeting Harper.
He’s proven that he can be a squad player at the top-end of the Championship, starting 13 games for West Brom last term – helping them to a fourth-place finish, but it’s his versatility that will make him a useful commodity in Leeds’ side.
Harper has played as a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder, something that could prove useful for an area hit by injuries in 2019/20. However, he could also act as useful cover up front.
The teenager spoke to West Brom’s website after their win against Aston Villa last term, and he revealed that he used to play as a forward.
“I thought I did well. I helped the team get up the pitch and defensively we were solid. Going forward I found myself a little new position as well, No.10, I liked it and enjoyed it. I’m just glad we got the win,” Harper said.
“I used to be a striker and I’ve played in the No.10 role before as well.”
With Patrick Bamford being the only senior striker in the squad and Bielsa reportedly not rating Ryan Edmondson, having a player who can slot in up front would be handy.
Of course, you’d hope it doesn’t come to that as there’d have to be injuries for Harper to get a shot as an out and out forward, but it’s nice to have a bit of a safety net if the nightmare scenario came to fruition.
In other news, Danny Pugh has been discussing what a takeover could mean for Leeds United.