Leeds Utd news: Whites make bid for Southampton’s Cameron Archer and Matt Targett links put to bed
Leeds United have today launched a formal proposal to acquire Southampton forward Cameron Archer on a loan deal.
Daniel Farke’s side currently sit in first place after a dull 0-0 draw against Burnley under the lights on Monday.
The Whites are looking to bolster their attack before deadline day, as they aim to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Archer eyes move to Elland Road
There has been a consensus that Leeds may lack a player or two in their frontline, predominantly someone who is adept at playing behind the striker, and a centre-forward.
The departure of Joseph Gelhardt has left Leeds even weaker within these positions, so the move for Archer makes complete sense.
Currently plying his trade at Southampton, Archer has found opportunities hard to come by since the arrival of Ivan Juric, with the striker starting one out of a possible seven games.
As per the BBC’s Adam Pope, Archer is understood to be open to a move to Yorkshire, and personal terms aren’t likely to be an issue.
Archer would instantly become one of the league’s best attackers with a flawless Championship pedigree to match.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed successful loan appearances at Preston and especially Middlesborough, as they narrowly missed out on promotion in 2023.
At this stage no agreement has been made between the clubs, and it remains to be seen if the Saints are willing to offload the attacker this late in the window.
Targett rumours squashed
As per numerous media outlets in the past week, it had been reported that Leeds United held an interest in Newcastle left-back, Matt Targett, however, these rumours have today been put to a halt.
Beren Cross has confirmed that Targett is not someone the Whites are pursuing this January.
United have recently been boosted by Junior Firpo returning from injury, and a return to the starting eleven seems likely in weeks to come for the Dominican Republic international.
In his pre-match press conference, Farke today confirmed that United are potentially eyeing another centre-back and a ten/nine to bolster their ranks before the deadline on Monday.
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