As per the latest reports, Leeds United are among 30 clubs (no, we didn’t mean to write 3. It’s 30) who are keeping track of Portsmouth’s forward cum left winger Ronan Curtis. The u-21 Irish international has set the stage on fire in the League One with his impressive displays and Leicester, Brighton, Sheffield United and Derby County are also included in the host of clubs who are monitoring Curtis’ situation.
Leeds United could be after a left winger, and there were reports earlier that ‘winger’ is one of the positions which Bielsa wants to solidify. Currently, the club has Ezgjan Alioksi as their best option for that left-wing role, and the Macedonian has been wholly inconsistent with his performances. With no real alternative, Bielsa can’t really replace him, and the former Chile manager has had to persist with him.
17-year-old Jack Clarke has got some minutes under his belt playing in that position but depending too much on this young prodigy in his first senior season would be too much to ask for here. Therefore going in for someone like Curtis would make sense.
The Pompey are currently leading the English third-tier by two points, and the 22-year-old winger has been a significant asset for Kenny Jackett. Curtis has racked up six goals and five assists in 12 games in the league, and he is the kind of player who can give the Whites a cutting edge in the attacking third.
Not too long ago Curtis was playing in the lower divisions in Ireland, and now clubs from Premier League are eyeing a possible move for him in the future. The young forward is indeed in line to have a rag to riches kind of story and United can give him the next platform to take his game to the next level. Pompey signed him this season, but his contract is only until 2020. However, the club might now be looking into giving him a better deal.
His versatility to play as a striker would also come in handy for Bielsa, and his goalscoring record certainly showcases the fact that he can handle himself in front of goal. Being a right-footed left winger, he often tries to cut on his favoured foot and drifts in the centre of the pitch from where he can influence play.
The West Yorkshire outfit have been guilty of squandering their chances, and a more clinical attacking player could make a lot of difference. Yes, the player might take time to adjust to a jump in divisions, but there is enough evidence that this Irishman has it in him to be a success in the Championship.
