Leeds United have turned down the chance to sign Watford striker Andre Gray on loan, as reported by Football Insider.
What’s the story?
This stance comes with the Hornets having demanded a £2m loan fee for the frontman, as well as the entirety of his £80,000-a-week wages being paid by the Whites.
As much as there was interest in the 28-year-old, Leeds feel they have been priced out of a deal, as the aforementioned sums are out of their means. That means that United will now not pursue a deal on that level.
Those demands came despite Gray not being a regular at Vicarage Road, starting seven league games and coming on in a further 11 as a substitute, scoring two goals.
Marcelo Bielsa has made it clear that a new striker is needed during the January transfer window, as Eddie Nketiah’s recall by Arsenal means that there is a lack of backup for Patrick Bamford.
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Learning from past mistakes
Leeds can be accused of looking to punch higher than their funds can afford in the past, something that Victor Orta is now clearly learning from.
That can be indicated by the fact that United felt the need to offload a massive 31 players during the summer, including sales, loans and mutual contract terminations, as reported by The Yorkshire Evening Post.
Call yourself a Leeds expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?
The last time Gray was in the Championship, he showed that he can be an effective player at that level, scoring 23 goals and getting eight assists in 41 appearances.
As useful as that sort of prolificacy would be for the team, from the viewpoint of the club’s well-being, it is not worth jeopardising their financial security to bring someone in on loan. They did so much hard work to move players off the wage bill last summer so they’d be foolish to bring someone in who commands such a large salary.
Therefore, it is a smart move for Orta and Leeds to walk away from the deal, proving that they refuse to be held to ransom.
After all, there is still time in the window to work on bringing in another target.
Meanwhile, FFC have given their opinion on the impact that Bielsa’s attitude is having on Leeds.