Lyon Moussa Dembele
Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to speculation linking Leeds United with a move for Moussa Dembele.
The Lowdown: Whites well-placed
The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the Lyon man in recent days. Reports have claimed that Leeds are ahead of relegation rivals Southampton in the race for the 26-year-old’s services and are well-placed to sign the Frenchman, so long as they remain in the top flight.
Dembele’s contract expires in the summer, meaning he could make the move to Yorkshire for free, providing his situation remains unchanged.
The Latest: Hutton reacts
Football Insider pundit Hutton, who contributes regularly for the BBC, was asked about Dembele and Leeds. He appeared to back a potential free transfer and said that the Whites ‘will be buzzing’ with anyone who can come in and ‘make them better’.
“At the end of the day they are a Premier League outfit at this moment in time.
“It is a position that they need options, especially if they are going to get out of the situation that they are in.
“It is a difficult one for them at the moment, they are down at the bottom, they do not have a manger, what direction is the club going in? Leeds United
“Jesse Marsch was brought in because he was liked by Bielsa and they played that kind of style. I am kind of confused by the direction that they are going in at this moment in time.
“But anybody that can come in and make them better I am sure they will be buzzing with.”
The Verdict: Needed?
Leeds have struggled for goals in recent weeks, scoring twice in their last five Premier League games. Top scorer Rodrigo is currently sidelined through injury, leaving Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter as the only available centre-forward options.
You’d expect that new manager Javi Gracia will need the pair to fire between now and the end of the season to give Leeds a chance of survival, and should they avoid the drop, a move for someone like Dembele could be a wise move.
He scored 21 times in Ligue 1 last season and has enjoyed success in front of goal for a number of different clubs in a variety of countries. Still just 26 years of age, he could be a solid addition to the squad, especially when you consider he has an €18m (£16m) Transfermarkt valuation.
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