Leeds icon Noel Whelan has shared his surprise at reports by Football Insider that suggested Aston Villa intend to raid Elland Road for Kemar Roofe.
The 26-year-old forward is set to be out of contract next summer, and the club are yet to offer our top ‘scorer a new deal, following a Championship campaign where he struck the back of the net on 15 occasions.
It has been reported that talks are imminent, but Roofe is allegedly demanding a new deal that would move him in line with high earners like Kiko Casilla and Patrick Bamford, who net around £30,000-a-week.
Villa, meanwhile, are said to be weighing up a list of options to replace Tammy Abraham now that he is heading back to parent side Chelsea, and have Roofe’s name high on their shortlist.
The Birmingham-based side could test our resolve at any moment now, but Whelan feels the Villains would be taking a step backward by stealing the man he values at £10million.
“It [selling Roofe to Villa] does make sense, as Leeds have not sorted out a new deal for Roofe, and he could be signed for £10million,” our former striker told Football Insider. “But I thought they’d be looking at a bigger name.
“Yes, Kemar did well last season, but is he good enough for the Premier League? Maybe Aston Villa fans will want something more. He is not Tammy Abraham, that’s for sure.
“Is Roofe better than or as good as Abraham? No.
“But Villa’s chances of getting Abraham are remote, with the transfer ban in place at Chelsea. They are likely [going] to have a good look at him in pre-season and next season. He is good enough for them.”