Chuba Akpom has been linked with a move to Leeds United this coming summer if Middlesbrough fall short in their quest for promotion in the Championship.
Leeds are, of course, amongst a Premier League relegation battle this season and would probably need to retain their top-flight status to land Akpom.
As per talkSPORT, Leeds are joined by Everton and Crystal Palace in holding an interest in the Boro ace.
Would Akpom be a good signing for Leeds?
Akpom is currently the Championship’s leading goalscorer with 21 goals in 28 appearances heading into the weekend.
He’s been a star for Michael Carrick, who has lifted Boro from the bottom third of the division into the automatic promotion conversation.
Our writers Kris (FA5) and Alfie (N12) discuss whether or not the 27-year-old would be a good signing for Leeds.
Anyone can see from the Leeds team at the moment that a new striker is needed, likely to succeed Patrick Bamford whose race looks run at the moment.
However, the mould of striker that the current Leeds nine is should be what they look to replicate, just with better output in the penalty area.
Akpom looks like that sort of striker, given his already impressive goals tally in the Championship of 21 goals and one assist, playing in a free-flowing Middlesbrough side where they have goals from all over the team.
Leeds need someone who can not only lead the line with dominant presence, but also someone who is more than capable of dropping deep and supporting the midfield in build-up, two roles Akpom has matured into under Michael Carrick.
His age is something of a concern as an investment at 27, but he’s worth a look for sure.
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As a potential replacement for Patrick Bamford goes, Akpom looks a fairly good bet.
The 27-year-old plays as a No.10 in Middlesbrough’s system, having the ability to be the focal point in Carrick’s side, as well as someone that links play in a really intelligent way.
Those are things that Bamford can do well, as well as having the frame and energy to lead the line if required.
It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to do if Boro can secure Akpom on a new contract and the fact that he’s 27 does mean there’s a lack of resale value there.
However, Leeds have already done plenty of work ‘recruiting for the future’ that means that the club can look for a ‘here and now’ striker to free them of their reliance on Bamford.
Akpom could be worth a punt in a pool of strikers including Rodrigo and Georginio Rutter.
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