OPINION
Leeds United must look to re-sign centre-forward Sam Vokes from Burnley this summer as the Yorkshire giants continue to struggle to find Marcelo Bielsa a new spearhead for his attack.
According to the Mirror, via their live transfer blog on Tuesdsay [11:22pm], Leeds have missed out on four Championship-hardened striker targets already and are now looking at Kasimpasa forward Mbaye Diagne.
It is understood that the Whites have failed in their pursuits of Abel Hernandez, Matej Vydra, Britt Assombalonga and Jonathan Kodjia, and with the Championship season drawing ever near, director of football Victor Orta must look at other targets.
One he must look at is Wales international Vokes, who has dropped down the pecking order at Turf Moor, starting just seven Premier League fixtures last season for Burnley.
The 28-year-old had a short spell on loan at Leeds during 2009, managing to score one goal in just eight appearances before he was sent back to Wolves due to the major competition to get him into the first team.
Although he did not impress at Elland Road then, he certainly would now, and would surely be a contender for the Championship golden boot award if he was to drop down a division and help spearhead Bielsa’s attack.
The 6ft 1in forward is of similar ilk to former Leeds star Chris Wood thanks to his powerful displays up front.
He is also very experienced in England’s second-tier, having made 198 appearances in the Championship and scoring 52 goals in the process.
While the £17,000-a-week (Spotrac) forward has not been prolific in the Premier League, he still pops up with the odd important goal.
Vokes scored in three Premier League games last season, all of which Burnley won as he found the target against Southampton, Watford and Chelsea – who he bagged a brace against at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds need a matchwinner before the transfer window slams shut, and welcoming Vokes back to Elland Road just makes perfect sense if Burnley are willing to let the Wales international leave Turf Moor after seven years of service.