Leeds United’s wage structure could prove to be the major stumbling block in their pursuit of Derby County centre-forward Chris Martin, according to a reliable journalist.
Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer Phil Hay claimed on his perusal Twitter account that the 29-year-old has been offered to the Whites on loan.
However, it is understood that the striker’s wages are a real issue and it could prevent the deal from happening.
my understanding is that Derby have been offering him out, including to Leeds, because they want another striker but his wage falls a long way beyond the structure at Elland Road. Not one I'd expect to happen.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 15, 2018
Hay further reported that Martin’s wage would be “considerably more” than the £15,000-a-week they pay Hamburg for Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s loan spell at Elland Road.
Good move for Leeds?
Martin may not be having his best of seasons for Derby, but he is a proven goalscorer at Championship level and could add the needed firepower to the Leeds team.
The Whites just need a prolific scorer in the second half of the season to get them into the play-offs and if they can play to Martin’s strengths he would be brilliant.
The Scotland international is a big physical player that can also be clinical in the 18-yard box.
He has scored 81 goals in 277 games at Championship level and would be a great acquisition on loan for Thomas Christiansen.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Leeds have a real opportunity to bring Martin to Elland Road to aid a promotion bid, but the financial side of things could lead them down and fans would feel this is why Premier League football remains a long way in the distance.
They have been offered a proven Championship goalscorer, but are expected to miss out on him as it stands.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10