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Transfer talk: Leeds are interested in Swansea’s McBurnie

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OPINION

Swansea youngster Oliver McBurnie is reportedly interesting Leeds as Thomas Christiansen looks to add a new striker to his Whites side.

The Sun’s transfer expert Alan Nixon claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Yorkshire giants have identified the eight-time Scotland Under-21 international as a player they would like to sign.

It is said that Yorkshire rivals Barnsley are also interested in the 21-year-old striker but would favour a loan move if they were to lure him to Oakwell with less than a fortnight remaining in the current window.

Leeds are likely to be in the transfer market for a new striker before deadline day on September 1, with Chris Wood reportedly edging closer to a move to Premier League side Burnley.

McBurnie is yet to play in England’s second tier, but his form in Premier League 2 is likely to have caught the eye, scoring 19 goals in 25 outings for Swansea’s second string.

This Is FutbolĀ considers if a move is likely to occur before the end of the window, and if such a deal would benefit Christiansen’s side.

Good move for Leeds?

The Scottish youngster has shown at Swansea that he is more than capable of finding the back of the net, showing a bit of everything in the final third.

Possessing plenty of pace, the former Bradford City trainee is also useful in the air as he stands at 6ft 2in, and is also pretty nimble with the ball at his feet.

McBurnie possesses plenty of similar traits to Wood and with Leeds’ system formed around getting the best out of the New Zealand international, signing a player like him is crucial.

Step forward McBurnie, who has just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Liberty Stadium and is likely to be far down the pecking order following the signing of Tammy Abraham.

This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.

Likely to happen?

Swansea are likely to be more willing to sell him in the next 10 days in order to prevent losing the eight-time Scotland Under-21 international on a free transfer next summer.

Abraham, Fernando Llorente and Jordan Ayew all sit above Swansea’s number 62 in the pecking order, with McBurnie now at a crucial part of his career where he needs first-team football to turn potential into proven quality.

That could see Swansea sell him now with a cut-price deal likely to be available, as Leeds desperately look to replace Wood.

Although he may not be viewed as the main striker to replace Wood this season, he could prove to be a bargain at Elland Road for years to come.

This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.

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