OPINION
Leeds United could play a blinder by opting to swoop for Southampton forward Sam Gallagher and beat the likes of Swansea City as well as Nottingham Forest to his services.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that Leeds’ two Championship rivals had both submitted offers to borrow the services of the 6ft 3in tall attacker (Source: Transfermarkt).
SOUTHAMPTON. Bit of a dilemma. Trying to move out Austin. Meanwhile FOREST and SWANSEA make surprise loan requests for Gallagher.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 30, 2019
While Leeds aren’t in desperate need of a new forward if Gallagher is available on a temporary basis then it is worth them snapping him up for the second half of the campaign.
The 23-year-old is proven in the Championship after featuring in the division 89 times after loan spells at the likes of Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and MK Dons so he knows what is needed to succeed.
Gallagher is also drastically different from Marcelo Bielsa’s other attacking options and would offer a plan B when Leeds’ current forwards are having no luck running in behind defences.
The current Southampton forward due to his height and ability in the air is able to be deployed as a target man and he could see Leeds’ squeeze out wins they would have missed without a different type of forward to choose from.
Given that Gallagher would be potentially available for loan if he was to move, there’s no way the Saints would sell him as he’s talented prospect, he’d be well within Leeds’ reach.
And he’d no doubt love the chance to feature for a side on a regular basis after being reduced to just one Premier League appearance this season.
Also they should have the edge over their Championship rivals if they opt to make a last-ditch move as surely the player would rather join the team sat the top of the table.
Therefore Leeds could play a blinder just before the window slams shut by coming out of nowhere to sign Gallagher as he could be a very useful plan B.