Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed on his personal Twitter account that Leeds United had launched a transfer raid to try and sign hot shot striker Jack Marriott back in the January window.
The 23-year-old was reportedly at the centre of a massive hunt for his capture this summer after netting 33 goals last season, with Derby County eventually winning the race ahead of their rivals, the English forward putting pen to paper on a contract keeping him at Pride Park until 2021.
With the battle for his signing coming to an end, MacAnthony confirmed on Twitter that Leeds had made a move to take the promising goal machine to Elland Road back in January.
Yes.. last January https://t.co/XBrovP3K51
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) July 25, 2018
Opinion
While this shows the sort of ambition that Leeds had back in the winter market, there will be much frustration from the fans that their club was unable to get a deal over the line. Marriott was one of the most in form strikers last season and after Leeds’ own hitmen struggled to find the back of the net, he could have inspired the club to improve their performances and as such, their results. Had that been the case, perhaps Paul Heckingbottom would have been given more of a chance and as such Marcelo Bielsa might not be in the dugout right now. Depending on how this upcoming season goes, that could well turn out to be a blessing in disguise, but at the same time, fans would have loved to see Marriot banging goals in at Elland Road. Now he will be wearing the white shirt of Championship rivals Derby County, and it will all be a case of what might have been for Leeds.