OPINION
Sky Sports have reported that Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe is going to be available in January, with Eddie Howe not able to offer him any game-time, and Leeds fans have flocked onto Twitter to say they would love to see him at Elland Road.
The 36-year-old, best known for his time at Tottenham, where he scored 142 goals in 360 games, has only made four appearances this season as a substitute.
He’s had interest from both Premier League and Championship clubs and he’s keen to move to get regular first-team football.
We have no doubt that Defoe would still score for fun in the Championship, but there’s one big problem for us – he just doesn’t seem like a Bielsa player.
Actually, there are two issues. His wages would be a problem as well. He’s reportedly on just over £100k-a-week for sitting on the Bournemouth bench, although he might well consider a pay cut to play regular football again.
Would he play for 33% of his salary though? We can’t see Leeds paying any more than that and there’s no guarantee that maverick Bielsa would put him in his team anyway.
The thought of swapping a Premier League bench for a Championship one might be too much for Defoe.
However, on the flip side, he doesn’t come with a transfer fee and a short-term deal to guarantee promotion? How much is that worth Leeds fans?
Here are the best reactions:
https://twitter.com/wayneleedsfan/status/1080509414648483840
Would love #LUFC to sign Defoe but can't see it happening due to wage demands. But the fact is we sign Defoe and we go up – simple as! #MOT
— Steve Jennings (@steve_jennings) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/ashylufc/status/1080506708806549507
Just seen that @afcbournemouth are willing to let Jermain Defoe leave the club, that’s just the sort of striker Leeds need!! Make it happen @andrearadri #lufc #mot
— LUFC Connor? (@ConnorMOT92) January 2, 2019
Defoe is up for grabs, be a great jan signing for #LUFC , experience, and most importantly knows where the net is, any chance of us getting him Phil @PhilHayYEP
— Eoin O'Donnell (@eod41) January 2, 2019
It's a banter era idea but I'd love us to sign Defoe on a half season loan.#lufc
— Matt (@MATTLUFC95) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/bushnutbrog/status/1080480602011377664
The way #lufc play i only see young fit and hungry players coming in but someone like Defoe a proven goal scorer you couldn't go far wrong
— Kershaw ?? (@Kershaw444) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/MaxElliott4/status/1080462634141532160
See Defoe has been told he can leave Bournemouth. Leeds should be all over that. That would be a cracking signing. Get him, a new keeper and have a great chance #lufc #alaw #mot
— Gary Marshall (@Garymarshall_85) January 2, 2019
Remember Dougie Freedman signing? Let's get Jermaine Defoe in. That's literally the most Chapman-Esque signing you could wish for. His goals would seal automatic promotion in absolutely positive on that #lufc #leedsunited @NoelDavidWhelan
— LufcJR (@LufcAlaw) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/twatterleeds/status/1080457135262261249