Kemar Roofe has revealed that he is ready to compete with any signings Leeds make before Thursday’s 11pm deadline for the role as the Whites’ sole striker.
Leeds are expected to bring another striker to Elland Road before the end of the window, after last season’s top scorer Chris Wood completed a £15million plus add-ons move to Premier League side Burnley earlier this month.
However, 24-year-old Roofe could stake a claim himself as Leeds’ first-choice striker, after scoring a hat-trick against Newport County as well as breaking the deadlock at Nottingham Forest in that position since Wood’s departure.
Speaking to talkSPORT on Tuesday morning, Roofe said he is willing to welcome any competition for a place up front before delivering his verdict on Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani.
“Competition is good and it brings the best out of all us. The bigger picture is promotion and if any players that come in that can help us do that then its only a good thing,” Roofe said.
“He (Radrizzani) is rubbing off on us and the fans so far. It is a positive environment because of what he is bringing and his approach is making everyone feel welcome.”
Under the guidance of Leeds’ new-look hierarchy including owner Radrizzani, sporting director Victor Orta and manager Thomas Christiansen, the Yorkshire giants have started the 2017-18 season in excellent form.
Scoring 16 goals in seven games and remaining unbeaten so far with three wins and two draws in the league, as well as a 4-1 win over Port Vale and a 5-1 triumph over Newport in the Carabao Cup, things are looking up at Leeds.
The Whites next face Burton Albion at Elland Road on September 9, as the international break takes precedence for the next two weeks.
OPINION
Roofe has shown that he is more than capable of leading the Yorkshire giants’ attack into battle in the last two matches, providing a constant thorn in the Forest defence against a side that have impressed under Mark Warburton at the start of the 2017-18 season. His unwavering eye for goal is nothing new after smashing 26 goals for Oxford during 2015-16 in all competitions and Christiansen may find that his replacement for Wood is right under his nose. Leeds have been linked with the likes of Dwight Gayle, Jordan Hugill and Rudy Gestede and have brought in teenager Jay-Roy Grot. If Leeds do not sign another striker before Thursday night, there should be little concern among fans or staff at Elland Road, with Roofe more than able to take on the responsibility of firing Leeds towards Premier League promotion.