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1 winner and 1 loser at Leeds United if lengthy transfer discussions reach huge breakthrough

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Leeds United haven’t given up hope that they will be able to land highly-rated PSV forward Cody Gakpo in January.

The Whites were ambitious in the summer when it came to making a marquee attacking signing, but came up short, most recently with Cody Gakpo opting to stay put at PSV.

A Holland international, Gakpo was a top target of Leeds’ in the final days of the transfer window as it was claimed that the club placed an offer of €45million for the winger, now revealed to be laced with add-ons.

Andrea Radrizzani has since confirmed that the club are looking to go back in for Gakpo after the World Cup, in the January window, determined to make up for their failed attempts.

Here, we look at one winner and one loser at Leeds if they were to actually land Gakpo in the winter…

Winner: Patrick Bamford

While Gakpo would not be coming to Leeds to play as a ‘back-to-goal’ number nine like Patrick Bamford is at the moment, he would be there as another outlet that can score goals.

The reason why there has been such a clamour for a new striker (or even attacker) is that without the one-time England international, Leeds look a lot more toothless and incoherent when attacking.

Having someone to link up with physical presence to make the ball stick in the final third is a massive boost, which Gakpo would provide.

This doesn’t even take into account his frightening goals record this season, with 10 goals and nine assists in 13 games in all competitions.

Redistributing Bamford’s burden to lead the line more evenly across the attack would be a great relief to him.

Do Leeds still need a striker going forward?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Loser: Jack Harrison

Coming to Leeds as a left-winger, Gakpo would be fighting for a place with Jack Harrison right away.

While it’s hard to see Harrison letting his grip on a starting berth go any time soon, the addition of someone like Gakpo would spell trouble.

Having a player of that quality come in would also come with assurances that they would be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

What that means for Harrison is likely one of two things: he either has to settle for some time as a sub, or he’s moved to another position.

Whichever of those happens, he’s not benefitting from Leeds signing a left-winger.

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Sheffield Wednesday

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.