Loads of Leeds United fans have been reacting on social media, after The Athletic’s Phil Hay gave an update into our pursuit of Southampton striker Che Adams.
The club are expected to be in the market for a new centre-forward this month after Arsenal recalled England U21 international Eddie Nketiah, having started just four games in all competitions under Marcelo Bielsa.
Patrick Bamford has been in fine form with ten league goals to retain his undisputed first-choice role in Bielsa’s plans, though the former Middlesbrough man will need proven senior cover as we strive to secure promotion into the Premier League.
As such, the club have identified Adams as a prime candidate to forge a mid-season move to Elland Road, but will not put all of our eggs in the 23-year-old’s basket and risk failing to sign anyone during the January window.
Hay understands Whites chiefs have given Southampton a deadline to accept or decline the offer lodged recently, as the south coast side are still yet to come to a verdict.
Will we get a deal for Adams over the line?
Yes
No
The Athletic claimed earlier in the month that Adams is keen on a move to Elland Road, though Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is still reluctant to allow the Leicester-born forward to leave Saint Mary’s.
Southampton’s board are more open to the prospect of sending Adams out on loan this month, with it said that a £1million fee would be enough for a temporary deal that includes an obligation to buy for over £10m in the summer.
If the Saints do not respond to our offer before the unspecified deadline, Hay hints that United chiefs will turn their attentions elsewhere and begin moving for other striker targets.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Hay’s update on our bid to sign Southampton’s Adams…
Is the current offer what Southampton wanted? £1m loan plus obligation to buy for £10m(+) ?
— Peter (@Peterdagv5) January 14, 2020
This is going to go to the end of January isn’t it Phil
— JLUFCN 💙💛 (@jlufcn) January 14, 2020
Doesn’t Orta talk to anyone outside the transfer window? Deja vu every January transfer window!
— Paul Allanson (@PaulAllanson23) January 14, 2020
Still waiting for an answer, they not picking up the phone? Reminds me of another time. 👀
— Ash Cook (@ashcook4) January 14, 2020
We need names of the other strikers to keep our sanity
— Lewis Stant (@_LewisStant) January 14, 2020
Who are the other targets? Emile Heskey? Peter crouch?
— Adam Green (@AdamGreen0823) January 14, 2020
End of Jan: None of the targets were available.
End of Jan: Ryan Edmonson goes out on loan to get 1st team experience.
Feb 1st: Bamford injured, out for the season.— Colin Fulton (@FultonColin) January 14, 2020
De javu,we could have done with someone in for QPR to give us a lift but as usual it will drag on😫
— Jonny (@Jonny18879506) January 14, 2020
Is the deadline whenever they feel like it?
— 𝕽ყ ą ŋ 🅙 (@lufcryann) January 14, 2020
If Adams handed in a transfer request would that speed things up?
— LUFC Lewis (@LewisDeighton17) January 14, 2020
If you can, how likely is it that he will sign for us right now as a percentage?
— TheYoungPeacock (@young_peacock) January 14, 2020
In other Leeds United news, the club are unconvinced of the benefits of signing a £1.35m-rated forward whose keen to join the Whites.