Kemar Roofe during his time with Leeds United (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in signing Kemar Roofe from Leeds United to boost their top-flight survival chances. The 25-year-old has been in prolific form this season, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists in 20 Championship games so far.
This has seen the Yorkshire side claw its way to the top of the table. Bielsa’s side is at the top and are two points ahead of second-placed Norwich City.
After a summer of little activity, Rafa Benitez’s side finds themselves dangerously near the bottom end of the table at the turn of the year. The struggling Magpies have only won four of their opening 21 games of the season, drawing six and losing ten. Signing Kemar Roofe would bolster Newcastle’s options in the final third.
Only Huddersfield Town have scored fewer goals than Newcastle’s 15 goals this term. Of the 15, Salomon Rondon has been involved in 7 goals and could use an in-form Roofe playing alongside him. The summer addition is the only player to have scored more than twice, netting five goals and laying on two more.
With the Magpies keen to avoid another return to the Championship, they’ll need to invest in their playing squad this January to add quality and depth.
An excellent finisher and strong in the air, Kemar Roofe would be a valuable addition for Newcastle. With an ability to dribble, play quick short passes and cut inside from the flank, Roofe would provide Benitez with a different option in the attack. An ambitious former winger, Roofe can operate either on the half space or off the shoulder of the centre-backs.
He could also exploit Rondon’s dummy runs and intelligent movement to get space as a secondary striker. However, Leeds should tie him down to a new improved contract. The Ex-Oxford United player’s current deal is due to expire in June 2020. With the Whites chasing their first return to the Premier League since 2004, the Elland Road side might be reluctant to allow their target man to leave mid-season.
Leeds were forced to cash in on their striker Chris Wood when Burnley made an offer in 2017. However, the situation is different now and they should hold onto Kemar Roofe at least until the end of the season.
