According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, EFL Championship outfit Leeds United are plotting a January swoop for Portsmouth attacker Ronan Curtis.
The 22-year-old moved to Pompey only this past summer, signing from League of Ireland outfit Derry City in a deal worth £100,000. Since then, has been setting the stage on fire in the EFL League One. And his strong start in England has alerted a number of clubs like Sheffield United and Leeds United as well (h/t TEAMtalk).
Having played junior football for Kildrum Tigers and Swilly Rovers in Ireland, Curtis moved to Derry City and progressed through the ranks to break into the first team in 2015. The versatile forward went on to make 92 appearances for the Irish outfit, notching up 19 goals – 8 of which came in the last campaign (31 matches).
Having switched to England, the 22-year-old has hit the ground running. He has already bagged six goals in his 12 League One appearances while setting up five more goals for his teammates. His goals have been instrumental in Portsmouth’s good start with hopes of promotion burning bright.
The forward has represented the Republic of Ireland U21 team, scoring once in his seven appearances. An extremely versatile operator, Curtis can play anywhere across the front three but has largely been used on the left flank.
When deployed on the left, he often cuts inside on to his stronger right foot. Although deployed as a winger, Curtis can slot into the No.9 role as well since he is good at hold-up play and has the knack to find his teammates while making runs into the box.
Flair on the ball, strength to hold off opposition and finishing are some of the strongest facets of the Republic of Ireland youth international’s game. And he backs it up with excellent off-the-ball work rate as well.
Leeds United have started the season on a strong note and the long-awaited dream of promotion to the Premier League looks like a distinct possibility under new manager Marcelo Bielsa.
However, with summer signing Patrick Bamford ruled out of action for a long period owing to a knee injury, the Whites are left with just Kemar Roofe as their main striker.
While he has done a sterling job, relieving some of the goal-scoring burdens off of him would be a smart move for the Whites. And they could certainly do so by signing Curtis.
Furthermore, Curtis’ versatility would allow him to slot in on the left-side of Bielsa’s attack, with Ezgjan Alioski struggling to hit top form recently. In fact, Jack Harrison and Pablo Hernandez also haven’t been at their best.
Given his versatility, Curtis would certainly add to the bench strength at Elland Road which will be crucial in a long season. To keep pursuing promotion to the top-flight, Leeds could use a young pair of legs. And in his short time in England, the forward has proven that he can step up.
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Hence, a January move to sign him has the potential to pay rich dividends, both immediate and long-term, for Leeds.
