The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 27th January) - Buendia tipped for Leverkusen as Whites target Barry
Good Morning. It's Monday 27th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Buendia tipped for Leverkusen - Whites target Barry
Reigning Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen look set to snatch Emi Buendia from under Leeds' noses, just like Norwich did to them six and a half years ago when he was playing on-loan for Cultural Leonesa, a former feeder club for the Whites. They want to bring him to the Bay Arena with an option to buy in the Summer. Reports from the Midlands state they would only authorise a move if it had a compulsory purchase clause.
The 28 year old hasn't seen much football since returning from an ACL injury last August, after a year on the sidelines. The big money capture of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund is likely to spell the end of Buendia's tenure at Villa Park, but given the sudden interest from Xabi Alonso, Leeds have turned their attention to another Villa player.
Louis Barry scored 15 goals and two assists in just 1800 minutes of game time for Stockport County during the first half of their League One campaign. He can play anywhere across the forward line including playmaker, though his preferred position is as an inverted winger / third striker. A host of Championship clubs are after the 21yo's signature, many of whom will be able to guarantee first team game time, something Daniel Farke refuses to do.
Ferguson on Leeds radar
Leeds have joined the race to sign Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson from Brighton, on loan until the end of the season. Described by Alan Shearer as "the real deal. Left foot, right foot, headers, pace, aggression, intuition; there is no obvious weakness to his game" the 20 year old has a big future ahead of him. The Seagulls are keen to develop him, and given Leeds success with Ben White, a move to Elland Road shouldn't be ruled out!
Competition for places and various ankle injuries have restricted him to just 219 minutes of game time this season, but if he can stay fit, could be a brilliant addition to the Leeds register. West Ham and Everton have both been conniving to lure the 20yo away from the South Coast, but with Brighton slapping a £45m price tag down, a loan move looks far more likely.
Would you take a point?
With Sunderland drawing at Plymouth, and the Blades getting mauled at home against Hull, Leeds could go four points clear (five if you count goal difference) if they can beat Burnley tonight at Turf Moor. Scott Parker's side are unbeaten in fifteen games and are the only Championship side not to lose at home all season. Given the magnitude of the game, and the chasing pack dropping points, if you were offered a draw before kick-off, would you take it?