As per one of the latest reports put forth by the reputed daily, Derby Telegraph, Leeds United are interested in luring Sheffield Wednesday’s dazzling youngster, George Hirst, to Elland Road. The Whites have been monitoring Hirst for quite some time now and they did make a formal approach to the Owls in the summer transfer window, which was turned down. Apparently, it seems that Leeds United are still interested to strike a deal, although Leicester City are also believed to be interested.
Under the stewardship of Thomas Christiansen, the Yorkshire-based outfit made some notable signings in the summer, with the likes of Pawel Cibicki, Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Klich and Felix Wiedwald being acquired. However, the newcomers haven’t been able to hit the ground up and running and probably it is their lack of experience of English football which has had a say in the process. After a strong start to the Championship season, Christiansen’s side have been timorous and relatively unproductive of late.
The Peacocks lost all of their last three games in the league, which comprises of their defeats at the hands of Brentford, Derby County and Sheffield United, and their shambolic run of form has considerably dented their credentials.
At the stroke of this hour, Leeds United are placed at the 10th spot in the league table with 23 points after 16 games. The January transfer window would hold paramount importance, for that would enable them in refuelling their tank in order to make a serious challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
Hirst would be a decent buy for them owing to the calibre he possesses. Having emerged through the youth ranks of Sheffield Wednesday, the 18-year-old has hardly been given the pedestal to thrive by his current employers despite his flamboyance and consistency in the youth levels of Wednesday as well as England.
He is a clinical striker who has the requisite pace, strength, stamina and height to do the damage up front. Besides, he showcases immense work-rate and works well with his teammates.
The starlet’s contract, confining him to Hillsborough, expires at the end of the season. He has been told that he can leave the club in the summer, and thus, Leeds United can attempt to sign him for a nominal price in January. Hirst is hungry to ply his trade in the Championship on a regular basis and if Leeds United can make him sign on the dotted line, it would be an astute move from them, for they do need to beef up their attacking arsenal in January.