According to The Mirror, Southampton are interested in signing Roma striker Edin Dzeko after he claimed that he would like to return to the Premier League, and Leeds should be on high alert to nab Shane Long if Saints do get their man.
What’s the situation?
Leeds are sitting in third in the Championship table with 23 points from their first 12 league games under new boss Marcelo Bielsa, but their lightning-quick start to the season has slowed recently and they have now won just twice in their last seven league games.
Injuries have certainly been a problem for the Whites, and despite Bielsa’s preference for small squads he may now have to bring in a few extra bodies in the January transfer window.
In terms of attacking options, big-money summer signing Patrick Bamford was ruled out for four months with a knee injury before being given the chance to really get going. Kemar Roofe has also missed the last six games after starting the season brilliantly, scoring four goals in his first six league games.
Although Roofe has now confirmed he is fit for the trip to Blackburn on Saturday, there is no doubt that this recent run has cost the Elland Road side, and they must move for a striker in January.
Perfect striker
The Mirror reports that Southampton, Crystal Palace and Cardiff have been on alert since Dzeko hinted that he would like a return to the Premier League, and he would surely come in as the best player in any of those three squads.
This would mean that if Saints get the 32-year-old, Shane Long’s game time would certainly suffer. The 31-year-old has made six Premier League appearances so far this term but could force a move if he was to fall behind both Danny Ings and Dzeko in the pecking order.
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He could be the perfect striker for Bielsa’s system as his immense work-rate would lend itself well to the high-press that the Argentine boss demands, and his 81 caps and 17 goals for Ireland prove that he would bring huge experience to the squad.
So, Leeds fans, would you like to see a move made for Shane Long in January? Have your say by voting in the poll below.
