BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Andre Gray of Watford in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Watford FC at Villa Park on January 21, 2020 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
According to Leeds Live, Leeds United have been linked with a move for Watford forward Andre Gray ahead of the summer transfer window.
Gray, 28, came through the ranks of Shrewsbury Town’s youth system and played for several clubs including Luton Town and Brentford. He joined Burnley in 2015 and helped the club get promoted to the top flight at the end of that season with 25 goals in 43 games.
He was signed by Watford in the summer of 2017 and has been a regular member since then but has failed to find the back of the net frequently. With Gray out of favour at Vicarage Road, Leeds should take the opportunity to lure him to Elland Road in the summer.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have overcome a slight dip in form and have managed to reach the top of the league table, sitting a point ahead of West Brom. The Whites are strong favourites to earn automatic promotion to the Premier League, as they are 7 points clear of third-placed Fulham.
And, the manager should start planning for the next season. A host of current players are on loan and Bielsa should look to keep hold of his best players. They should also be on the lookout to sign forwards in the summer to bolster their attacking unit.
Patrick Bamford is the first-choice striker under Bielsa and despite starting the season on a bright note, scoring 13 goals, he has been inconsistent in the last few matchweeks. Eddie Nketiah was recalled by Arsenal in January and Jean-Kevin Augustin has not lived up to the expectations. The Frenchman has featured in just 3 games and got injured since joining in January.
Therefore, Leeds should bring in reinforcements to the squad and add to their attacking ranks to bring competition within the team. In that case, Andre Gray would be a viable option for the Whites.
The 28-year-old has experience in the top flight and would add some much-needed depth to the squad, if Leeds get promoted to the Premier League.
The Englishman would add cover and competition for Bamford next season. He has the ability to lead the line and had scored 7 goals in the limited opportunities he got in the last campaign. Prior to that, he was excellent with Burnley and if he is able to replicate that form, he would be a good addition for the Championship side.
Tyler Roberts is the only option apart from Bamford at Bielsa’s disposal but he is too young to be depended upon. Leeds need to bring in experienced campaigners to survive in the Premier League and Gray would bring that to the table. He has valuable top flight experience and would add quality and depth to the squad.
Therefore, making a move for the Englishman would be a wise decision by the club.
