OPINION
If there is one Leeds United player who springs to mind a star of this season, most fans would say striker Kemar Roofe.
Even though he has missed part of the season due to injury, the Whites’ red-hot ace has still managed to muster up seven goals already, and he has emerged as a key asset to Marcelo Bielsa’s pursuit of promotion.
There is no doubt that his prolific form – 21 goals in his last 45 matches, to be precise – will attract the attention of some of the Premier League’s top spenders, including West Ham.
The Hammers have never been notorious for spending big until you fast forward to this summer’s transfer window, where they spent around £100million.
However, a part of that figure was spent on obtaining the services of forward Lucas Perez, who it is safe to say has been a bit of a flop based on what we have seen of him so far.
Yes, Andy Carroll is about to return from injury but he has never been the most reliable of goalscorers, which leaves the Irons with Marko Arnautovic as their main frontman.
That could all change in January with a swoop for Roofe, and West Ham must twist Leeds’ arm in order to bring him to the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini needs a proven goalscorer – and that is exactly what Roofe is. He would also be a big upgrade on another player West Ham have prised from Leeds in the last, Sam Byram in the January window of 2016.
Some may argue that the top flight is too much of a step up for him, but he could really thrive and show what people he can do.
Leeds’ fans will not want him to leave under any circumstances, and they may feel that cashing in on him is not worth sacrificing their promotion bid for.
That is not West Ham’s concern – and seeming as they have proved that they can splash the cash, it is more than likely that they will make an offer that Leeds simply cannot refuse.
West Ham need to twist Leeds’ arm and ensure Roofe makes the move down South, as he has the potential to transform the side instantly.