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Why £12m-rated midfielder would be perfect fit if Leeds get promoted
COMMENT By Dominic Toner
Leeds should make Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney their summer priority if they get promoted to the Premier League.
The Whites are pursuing a return to the top-flight and are currently fourth-placed in the Championship, with the play-offs the most likely route for promotion.
Garry Monk should break the bank with a move for Fulham’s ace Cairney, who has been in impressive form this season.
Leeds would only be able to realistically fund a big-money for the 26-year-old if they secured promotion, as the £3million spent on Kemar Roofe was their biggest signing last summer.
However, the Yorkshire giants will need to spend if they want to establish themselves in the Premier League and their owners will know that.
The Daily Mail report that Cairney is rated at £12million by Fulham and that Newcastle are keen on a move for him.
The central midfielder has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season for Fulham and has been rewarded with a call-up to Scotland national team over the international break.
He has made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and supplying 11 assists.
Leeds will certainly need to boost their midfield options if they are competing in the top-flight next season as their has not been enough goal contribution from the centre of the park.
The Whites have had 27-goal striker Chris Wood as the main driving force in their bid for promotion, but their next best goal scorer is Souleymane Doukara with five.
Monk should strongly consider a move for Cairney in the next window as he would certainly boost the goal threat from midfield.
They already have combative midfielders in the likes of Liam Bridcutt and Ronaldo Vieira, but would need some extra creativity next season in the Premier League.
In other Leeds transfer news, the club’s January target is prepared to quit his Premier League club in the summer.
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