Rob Staton has questioned the approach taken by Leeds United amid links with Sheffield United midfielder Gus Hamer.
The Whites denied reports that the club offered a player-plus-cash – said to be Joel Piroe – to the Blades [Graham Smyth] and are not pursuing a move for Hamer before the 30 August deadline.
Staton appeared on Football Heaven [BBC Sheffield, 29 August] and discussed the latest regarding Hamer as he blasted Leeds for their contradicting public pursuit.
He said: “Why would that report get out if it wasn’t true? Leeds are denying this now and have signed another midfielder, but I’m confused.
“What’s going on at Leeds? If you want Gus Hamer, sign Gus Hamer. Go and make the deal to get that done. If not, clear off and sign someone else. What is this all about? What is going on?”
Will Leeds United make a move for Gus Hamer?
Leeds acted fast to pour cold water on reports for a move for Hamer but as Staton points out, there is no smoke without fire.
Daniel Farke has been active in the final days of the summer transfer window and still needs an Archie Gray replacement before the deadline.
FC Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic has been the name most linked with a move to Elland Road in the past few weeks. However, the move has stalled as the Whites have targeted attacking additions, or perhaps because the club have identified a more suitable option.
Leeds would do well to find a better Gray replacement than Hamer. The 27-year-old was a standout performer in the Premier League as the Blades finished at the foot of the table and was sensational in the Championship with Coventry City.
So far, the club have been shrewd in their recruitment, careful not to spend too much of an outlay on the money recouped from player sales this summer.
If there was ever a time to splash the cash it is now. Hamer would transform the Whites’ midfield and would be a statement of intent to the rest of the Championship.
Leeds are favourites for automatic promotion this campaign [Opta Analyst] but success is never guaranteed in the second tier. Leeds need to go all in on Hamer to add the crown jewel to the midfield and boost their promotion aspirations this season.
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