‘Patrick Bamford will be leaving Leeds’ amid Jamie Vardy claim
Patrick Bamford is widely expected to leave Leeds United this summer as he is no longer a part of Daniel Farke’s long-term plans.
The 31-year-old will have just one year remaining on his contract in June and concerns about his fitness and injury issues have lingered.
Meanwhile, he has started just one of his 18 appearances and played just 325 minutes of football across all competitions this season.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Leeds are prioritising signing a new striker amid doubts about Bamford and Joel Piroe’s ability to perform in the Premier League.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected at the club, told Football Insider that Bamford will leave the club amid interest in Jamie Vardy.
However, there are doubts about whether Vardy is the answer to Leeds’ issues given his age and demands for first-team football which are unlikely to be met.
Leeds make Patrick Bamford decision amid Jamie Vardy interest
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds want to sign Vardy alongside another “top-class” striker this summer.
This comes amid their concerns about Bamford, who has previously struggled to perform in the Premier League and is now eyeing a move away.
Brown also told Football Insider in October that Leeds are open to letting Bamford leave at the end of the season as he is no longer part of their plans.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that the long-serving Leeds man will be let go while they are considering signing Vardy alongside another striker to bolster their options.
“I think Vardy can still do it in the Premier League,” he told Football Insider.
“But is he the answer for Leeds? I’m not so sure looking at his age and where he is now.
“Joel Piroe has carried the can for scoring the goals this season.
“Patrick Bamford has a year left on his deal and is looking like he’s going to move on because they can’t rely on him to be fit and score goals in the Premier League.
“Jamie Vardy is a proven striker, but if you sign him you need to get another as well because you don’t know how many games he’s going to be able to play.
“If he’s fit, he would be an impact off the bench, but I’m sure he’s goint to want to go somewhere where he plays every week now.
“He’s not going to want to join Leeds and be an impact player.”
Daniel Farke eyes goalkeeper signing after Illan Meslier latest
Alongside their ambitions of signing a new striker this summer, Leeds are also aiming to improve in other key areas ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Brown told Football Insider on 8 May that Leeds are aiming to sign a new goalkeeper as Farke is “desperate” to land a new number one.
Illan Meslier was axed for the final seven games of the season and is no longer believed to play a part in Farke’s plans for the future.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed Leeds are set to back Farke heavily in the transfer window as they prepare for their return to the top flight.
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