'A strange one', 'Had a great season' - Fans respond to speculation Leeds in bidding war for goalscorer

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

27 Jul 2017, 3:42 pm

By Harry Sykes

Leeds United are reportedly locked in a bidding war to sign Burton Albion midfielder Jackson Irvine - and fans have reacted with mixed views.

Radio Yorkshire correspondent Joe Rawson has claimed on his personal Twitter account that United face competition from Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Fulham to land the midfield goal machine.

The update from the reliable Rawson came after reports that United are lining up a swoop for the Australia international, 24, on the back of his eyecatching exploits last season.

Irvine made a huge impact in his first season in the Championship following his transfer from Scottish top flight side Ross County.

He scored 10 league goals from 44 matches from his central midfield role to finish as the club's leading scorer and spearhead their survival bid.

Yet Leeds fans are not sold on their club's pursuit, amid doubts about the player's pedigree and also the vast number of midfielders already in Thomas Christiansen's squad.

Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:

I have to say this Jackson Irvine link is a strange one. The word from Burton is that #nffc are favourites to sign him. #lufc pic.twitter.com/SokToMQzWw
— Nathan (@hank_lufc) July 27, 2017

Is he any good joe ???
— Aaron (@aronstiebrins) July 27, 2017

Need defenders not another midfielder
— Aidan W (@aidanwalton1919) July 27, 2017

Had a great season. Contributed plenty of goals. Has made his way into a reasonably strong Australian national team midfield
— Michael Spry (@michael__spry) July 27, 2017

We can swap for Murphy. Deal done. Next??!!
— LEEDS UNITED MAD 💯⚽ (@LeedsUnited_MAD) July 27, 2017

#Lufc need another striker please not a midfielder or defender- Chris Wood can't do it on his own again, we need goals!
— Dave in Leeds (@Davehaymot) July 27, 2017

We've already got a dozen or so midfielders
— Pablo LUFC (@pistol1603) July 27, 2017

Football Insider verdict:

Leeds have been reluctant to enter into bidding wars in recent years and it is hard to see that changing under the new regime. Irvine is a player in demand and Derby, Fulham and Wednesday have all showed in recent windows they will push the boat out if they feel the deal is right. There is little evidence that is the case for Leeds, whose limit appears to still be £3million for any new signing, despite Radrizzani taking full ownership in May as Massimo Cellino stepped aside. Irvine has a proven track record in the Championship and would be a fine signing, but will Radrizzani be willing to fend off all rivals to get the deal done?

In other Leeds transfer news, the club have agreed the terms of a stunning £7million deal.

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.

Leeds United

Jackson Irvine