Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch will 'definitely' be in the market for a new striker this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Lowdown: Bamford a big miss

The Whites have endured a Premier League season to forget, with possible relegation back to the Championship not yet in the rear view mirror with five matches remaining.

The continued absence of Patrick Bamford has no doubt played a part in Leeds' struggles, with the 28-year-old only managing seven starts in the league in 2021/22.

Because of it, the Whites have been profligate in front of goal, only finding the net 38 times in 33 league outings.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-40/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Latest: Striker will 'definitely' come in

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke claimed a new striker will arrive this summer, as Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers group aim to furnish Marsch with the necessary reinforcements:

"Definitely a striker I think would be high up there on Jesse Marsch’s list of priorities because they’ve badly missed Patrick Bamford this season due to his injury problems."

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507"]

The Verdict: Makes complete sense

This is clearly an area that needs strengthening ahead of next season, with far too much reliance on Bamford to score the goals. Raphinha (ten) is the only player to have reached double figures in the league this season, and the winger could of course leave the club this summer.

Leeds have recently been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi and he could be an ideal man to come in after scoring 14 goals in 26 Super Lig appearances on loan at Besiktas this season.

At 28, he has plenty of experience at the top level - he has scored 23 goals in just 41 caps for Belgium - but is still at an age where he could be in his prime for several years.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Leeds transfer update. Read more here.