Tyler Roberts began a medical at Leeds United last night while the team drew 0-0 in the Championship at Hull City, according to Football Insider.
The football news site claim the West Brom striker, 19. was given permission to head to Leeds’ training headquarters to undergo the first stage of medical tests as he puts the finishing touches to a deadline day transfer.
Football Insider report that Leeds have agreed to pay an initial £2.5million rising to £4million including performance-related add-ons for the Wales Under-21 international.
It is said that Leeds hope to pull off a deal for Roberts after the arrival of Daniel Sturridge at the Hawthorns on loan from Premier League giants Liverpool paved the way for the youngster to leave rather than run out his contract, which expires in the summer.
Leeds have been in the market for a striker in the latter stages of the January window but had appeared set to end the window without strengthening in the key position.
Roberts spent the first half of this season at League One outfit Walsall, where he scored five goals in 15 matches.
Roberts would be the third expensive senior signing for Leeds this month after £4.5million central midfielder Adam Forshaw and £1.5million left-back Laurens De Bock. There have also been a host of acquisitions for the Under-23s, including striker duo Oliver Sarkic and Sam Dalby, defenders Aape Halme and Pascal Struijk, and goalkeeper Kamil Miazek.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes, definitely. The centre-forward is a rising star – he has scored more goals than any other teenager in England’s top four divisions this season – and he could add an exciting new dimension to a Leeds attack that has looked severely lacking ever since Pierre-Michel Lasogga began his winter break at the start of November. Some fans have sniffily complained that Roberts is yet another rookie whose best years are a long way in the distance, but the word is that Leeds see him as ready to be pitched immediately into a promotion battle. Yes, he is young but he is also exciting, dynamic and potentially brilliant.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Despite the intense competition for Roberts’ signature, it appears that Leeds have got this deal over the finish line. Expect an announcement today that the forward is a Leeds player.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10