One striker Leeds should be looking to recruit in loan window

Value for money was obviously the main objective for Brian McDermott on deadline day, as he decided against signing Chris Burke because the asking price was regarded as not befitting someone of the winger’s age.

Some creativity certainly wouldn’t go amiss at Elland Road, as after five Championship game weeks, only the current bottom three of Bolton, Millwall and Yeovil, alongside Birmingham, have scored fewer goals.

Meanwhile, Ross McCormack, Luke Varney and Noel Hunt have started 14 times between them in attack and contributed just four goals.

McCormack has been responsible for three of these and the fact he has recently signed a new four-year deal is a boost to Leeds’ chances of promotion, which can be backed at present at 6/1.

However, it may be wise for the club to bolster their striker ranks further in the emergency loan window to enhance their promotion prospects and Billy Sharp must be one player that they should be looking at.

In each of the last four seasons Sharp’s Championship goal tally has reached double figures and he is currently down the pecking order at Southampton, especially after the summer arrival of Pablo Osvaldo at St Mary’s.

Sharp has been linked with numerous Championship clubs, but sticking points over his wages have proved a stumbling block. It is thought the striker earns around £15,000 a week and Southampton want a club to take on all of this amount.

This must give Leeds an advantage over the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster, while his pace, finishing ability and poaching skills could be an asset if Leeds are to edge a few close fixtures.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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