Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford should sign a new Whites contract in the near future, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Bamford stars for Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa's side shone in their first season back in the Premier League, with a number of individuals standing out, from Kalvin Phillips to Raphinha.
It was Bamford who was arguably Leeds' star man, however, scoring 17 goals, registering seven assists and clearly improving in his all-round game under Bielsa's guidance.
The 27-year-old's current deal expires next summer, so the Whites run the risk of losing him on a free transfer soon if they don't take action.
[freshpress-quiz id=“359346"]
The Latest: Hay provides update
Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Friday [via MOT Leeds News], Hay said he is confident that Bamford will extend his stay at Elland Road: “They have been talking for a while and it’s never sounded like it was widely complicated.
“I’m pretty sure they’ll get there and an announcement on that shouldn’t be too far away. But whereas it became clear last night that Meslier was about to sign new terms, I’m yet to get the nod about Bamford.
“Suffice to say, he’s still massively part of the plans – and set up to be Bielsa’s number nine again this season.”
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-12/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Verdict: Extend his stay
Ensuring Bamford signs a new deal is of the utmost importance, considering how superbly he has led the line under Bielsa.
He has improved his game so much, both in terms of attacking output and defensive work - he averaged one clearance per game in the league last season, compared to 0.4 and 0.5 during two years at Middlesbrough in 2016/17 and 2017/18 - and he is at an age where he can go up another gear as he enters his prime.
Bamford's performances will again be vital to Leeds having a successful season and if he can replicate his 2020/21 form, an England call-up could even come his way.
In other news, a fellow Premier League club have reportedly hijacked Leeds' attempts to sign one player. Read more here.