Leeds United told to sign ‘exciting’ Patrick Bamford ally amid ‘absolutely crazy’ verdict – pundit
Kevin Phillips has claimed a potential move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi would be “very exciting” for Leeds United.
The former Sunderland hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites are in desperate need of striking reinforcements after Patrick Bamford’s injury-plagued season.
According to TEAMtalk (20 April), Batshuayi has been given the green light to leave Chelsea for good this summer – with Leeds United and Everton interested.
The Belgian has netted 25 goals in 77 games for the Blues – but his Stamford Bridge stay has been punctuated with a number of lengthy loan spells.
This season, Batshuayi has notched 14 goals in 28 league games for Turkish giants Besiktas.
Phillips suggested that record will have Leeds United and Jesse Marsch sitting up and taking notice.
“They need another striker, I’ve said this all along,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It was absolutely crazy not to sign another one in January to take the pressure off Patrick Bamford coming back.
“Batshauyi has got Premier League experience, he scores goals – they’ve certainly got to look at it.
“Leeds and Marsch will have done their background research into him if he does end up joining – they’ll be sure that he fits into what the manager wants from a striker.
“Being linked with those types of players, who have scored goals at the highest level – that can only be a positive and a very exciting thing for Leeds.”
Batshuayi has just one year left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds United are five points clear of relegation with six Premier League games remaining.
In other news, Football Insider reveals Whites star set to miss rest of the season after training ground blow.