OPINION
Garry Monk could be set to once again break Leeds United fan’s hearts, as his Birmingham City team could beat the Whites to the signature of Peterborough striker Jack Marriott.
The League One goal-machine, 23, has been a constant threat over the past two seasons, scoring 28 goals in one season for Luton, before moving to the Posh only to repeat that feat, with 33 goals last season.
It’s no surprise that this kind of player is attracting interest from the Championship level, as scoring that many goals in the ultra-competitive League One division is no easy accomplishment.
The Birmingham Mail has reported that Birmingham have joined Leeds and bitter rivals Aston Villa in the hunt to sign the striker, with Monk and the Elland Road club set to go “head-to-head” for his signature.
Leeds are desperate for a new striker, and their pursuit of Hull City’s Abel Hernandez is looking promising, yet it appears that Marriott is becoming more accessible for teams to chase due to the arrival of Matt Godden at the Posh on Tuesday.
It is thought that Marriott would fetch Peterborough around £5million, which is an affordable price for a promising young talent, and if Monk can pull off the acquisition, that will be the icing on the cake as far as Whites fans are concerned, following a management spell at Elland Road that left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth.
Birmingham are desperate for goals, and were lucky to avoid relegation last season, whereas Leeds’ aspirations lay higher up the table with a promotion push.
This could be a deciding factor on the transfer, as more opportunities could befall Marriott should a move be finalised to the Blues, whereas the potential incoming of Hernandez could diminish the chances for Marriott should he move to Yorkshire.
The 23-year-old has the ability to compete at that level, having already scored two goals against Aston Villa last season in the FA Cup, and with a seven-figure sum having been accepted on Monday, it is only a matter of time to see if Monk can pull off the perfect heist, and steal Marriott from right underneath Leeds’ noses.