Leeds United should decide against making a move for FC Augsburg striker Ricardo Pepi, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Pepi on the move?
Jesse Marsch could look to make attacking reinforcements at Elland Road in the upcoming transfer windows, with a lack of firepower evident at times during the current campaign with Patrick Bamford struggling with fitness and form.
Pepi is currently on loan at FC Groningen but missed out on a place in the USA's 2022 World Cup squad, having not done enough to justify being called up.
He is expected to leave Augsburg next summer, however, and there is always the possibility that Marsch could eye up a move for his compatriot.
The Latest: Jones plays down Leeds transfer
Speaking to Give Me Sport, though, Jones said he finds it difficult to see Leeds moving for Pepi currently:
"Pepi’s goal record since moving to Europe overall is not convincing, I know he’s started to score a moment, but the sample size that we’ve got is probably too small to take a chance on based on what we saw last season.
"Pepi was supposed to be the answer to the USMNT’s striking problems, but he hasn’t been able to show that that’s definitely the case.
"I don’t think personally that Jesse Marsch should probably take a risk on him."
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The Verdict: Not done enough
Pepi has been a highly-rated young player for some time, being hailed as the 'best natural finisher' in the USA's history by former defender Heath Pearce.
Whether or not the 19-year-old is ready to star in the Premier League at this moment in time is certainly up for debate, however, both in terms of physicality and all-round quality.
He hasn't scored in 16 appearances for Augsburg, which speaks volumes, and while seven in 10 is a good return for Groningen, there may well be better options out there for Marsch to bring in.