The January transfer window is fast approaching, and it is clear for all to see which area of the pitch Leeds United need to strengthen. Ally McCoist agrees that Leeds need more in the final third.
Nine goals in 11 Premier League games, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin notching just once in seven starts, is not good enough to keep Leeds in the top tier. Leeds’ PSR position means major investment is unlikely.
But something needs to change. Ross McCormack might claim Daniel Farke’s tactics are not getting the best out of Calvert-Lewin, but the England international is underperforming his XG, which is around 3.5.
Leeds need more in attack, having failed to sign Harry Wilson. The chances are the Whites look to sign an attacking midfielder and possibly even a striker. Ally McCoist thinks Leeds will have their eye on one.
Ivan Toney with Al Ahli.
Photo by Clicks Images/Getty Images
Ally McCoist expects Leeds to show interest in Ivan Toney
Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that Ivan Toney is going to struggle to be a part of England’s World Cup squad if he remains in Saudi Arabia. The Al Ahli striker was missing from Tuchel’s latest England squad.
A loan move back to the Premier League is becoming more likely. On TalkSPORT (12/11, 9.25AM), Ally McCoist discussed Toney’s future and said that Leeds will almost certainly be one of the clubs interested.
Alan Brazil asked: “Would Leeds, Fulham, Everton be queuing up for his signature?”, to which McCoist replied: “Oh you better believe it. It’s the hardest thing to do, put the ball in the back of the net.
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“I think it will be a problem coming back, the tax implications, the money, not knowing all the details, that you have to stay out of the country, he’d have to weigh up that situation. These guys are on fortunes.
“He probably wouldn’t come back in that period. If and when the time is right, plenty of clubs. Everton would come into the equation, Tottenham with Solanke struggling to keep fit. No shortage of offers.”
Why Leeds United have little chance of signing Ivan Toney
There are a number of reasons why Leeds won’t be signing Toney in January. Everton, West Ham, Spurs and other teams in a similar bracket have money to spend and can afford to pay some of Toney’s wages.
Name PL clubs Games Minutes Goals Assists Mins per G+A
Ivan Toney Brentford 85 7322 36 11 155.8
DCL LeedsEverton 248 16379 58 18 215.5
Leeds would struggle to afford a quarter of it, given his reported £400,000 a week wage packet alongside Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie at Al Ahli. Leeds’ PSR position also makes things difficult with a deal.
Then, there is that Toney would easily start for a club like Everton, a side in mid-table. Why would he join a team in a relegation battle where service is going to be limited? Leeds will not be signing Toney.