Leeds United crashed out of the FA Cup as Garry Monk fielded a team of fringe players to see off National League side Sutton United. It shouldn’t, however, come as a surprise for Monk as Sutton United had already exhibited their potential in the last round shock win over south London rivals AFC Wimbledon 3-1 and Monk knew quite well the risks of an easygoing approach.
But, the Championship match against Blackburn Rovers in the midweek had the manager in a fix. And the lack of depth in the squad is clearly visible. One of the main areas where the Whites lack serious quality is on their flanks. Apart from Roofe and Doukara, Monk hardly has any effective options, and if reports are to be believed, the manager seems to have identified a potential addition in Swansea City winger Modou Barrow.
The 24-year-old Gambia international is out of favour at the Liberty Stadium and although he hasn’t been the best of scorers or providers for the team this season, he has the abilities to chip in with some fabulous crosses from the wings.
The player is said to be available for the right price and many clubs are keeping close tabs on him. It will not be an easy task for Monk to land him as he will have to compete with other clubs.
A move before the transfer deadline day means that Leeds will have to trigger the £5million minimum release clause to initiate negotiations, with reports claiming that Swansea want around £7million for the winger.
Barrow has appeared 18 times in the league so far, managing only two assists from the wing. The new manager Paul Clement doesn’t see him in his plans and has pretty much frozen him out. The player would surely want and a move to Championship if it means regular first team action.
Barrow had risen through the ranks of Swedish sides Real de Banjul FC, Östers IF, Mjölby AI FF. IFK Norrköping, Varbergs BoIS and Östersunds FK before Swansea signed him in 2014. He had some loan stints at Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers before breaking into the first team in 2015.
A move to Aston Villa is still in the picture for Barrow as the club were linked with a possible swap deal with Swansea involving Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew. Although there hasn’t been any progress in that deal, Leeds will have to act quickly if they want to secure the fleet-footed winger’s signature.
