Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United are wanting to sign a striker that can play in several different positions.

The Lowdown: Versatility key for Marsch

With the injury problems continuously facing Patrick Bamford, Leeds and Jesse Marsch are seemingly very keen on landing a new striker so the burden isn't solely on Rodrigo's shoulders.

The fact Leeds missed out on the likes of Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng will have been stressful for Marsch but Rodrigo has certainly helped save the club's blushes with his 10 league goals.

Leeds look to finally be addressing this issue though with links to the likes of Che Adams and Viktor Gyokeres showing they are wanting to add some firepower this winter.

The Latest: Leeds keen on a new striker

Hay has admitted on The Phil Hay Show that while Leeds are keen on landing a new striker, he believes that anyone will likely be one with a high level of versatility.

He said: (50:45) "They always seem to be open-minded about that [what kind of forward they sign] so with De Ketelaere and Gakpo, they are players, as you saw with the Holland team at the World Cup, Gakpo played out wide, played deep, played as a withdrawn forward and played in a front two.

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"They do like versatile options who can play wherever, personally, I'd be going for a nine, I'd be going for the nine that they don't really have and could help them, but I think a forward of merit and a forward of good quality would be a good addition either way."

The Verdict: A new striker is essential

There are no two ways about it, Leeds and Victor Orta have to deliver a good quality striker to Marsch this month, otherwise, they could be set for a very long season fighting against the drop as Bamford can't be trusted to stay fit.

The safe option would be to go for someone such as Adams as he's tried and tested in the Premier League, and is capable of playing as a striker, slightly deeper and also out wide, although given Southampton are relegation rivals it's unlikely they'd part ways with the striker.

It's clear to see that Marsch does admire versatile players as stars such as Rodrigo, Pascal Struijk and Brenden Aaronson are all capable of playing more than one position, which does help when injuries occur as it means there's less strain put on the squad.