Leeds plot swoop for 22-year-old winger from club in need of quick cash – report
By Danny Wright
Hartlepool winger Nathan Thomas has emerged on the radar of Leeds, according to a report.
The Northern Echo claims that they could be looking to bring the 22-year-old to the Championship next season as Hartlepool drop down to non-league football for the first time in their history.
However, it also claims that Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United are planning to stage a £300,000 bid for Thomas.
It is understood that the Pools are in desperate need of cash following their dramatic final-day relegation from League Two, and the subsequent loss of the £350k payment from the Premier League that all EFL clubs get.
The versatile winger has been quite the journeyman in the early stages of his career, turning out for six different clubs since refusing to sign a new contract at Sunderland four years ago.
Thomas has since played for Darlington, Plymouth, Motherwell and Mansfield before moving to Victoria Park in January 2016.
He has made 34 appearances for Hartlepool this season, scoring nine goals and supplying three assists in all competitions but a lot of his time was spent on the sidelines due to a groin injury.
Leeds will be looking to begin their summer transfer plans early as they look to mount another bid to return to the Premier League next year.
Garry Monk’s men fell just short of the play-off places this season, which ended with a disappointing draw away to relegated Wigan.
Football Insider Verdict
A young winger who has played for a number of clubs, has been hit with injury and infuriated his coaches for a poor display against Cheltenham in April – Leeds should steer well clear of this deal. Monk should really let the Blades prise Thomas away from Hartlepool because the 22-year-old doesn’t seem like he has the ability to make the step up to a Championship club in the near future. He hasn’t scored or bagged an assist since February and even though he would be cheap, it would simply be a waste of resources in pursuing what is now effectively a non-league player.
In other Leeds news, the Whites should join this Premier League team in the pursuit of a 23-goal striker.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Leeds breaking news.