Leeds United are ready to turn their attention to Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford after giving up the chase for Derby’s Matej Vydra, as reported on The 72 yesterday.
Bamford was a vital part of Middlesbrough’s success last season, and was a key component in helping them to achieve a fifth placed finish.
Having been second choice to £15 million summer signing Britt Assombalonga under the management of Garry Monk, and having often played out wide, Bamford was given a central striker role under new manager Tony Pulis. He unsurprisingly thrived in his natural position, and his end of season form has made him a wanted man.
Both Leeds United and Bamford’s former club Nottingham Forest have expressed their interest in signing the forward, with Middlesbrough setting an asking price of £16 million.
Boro fans aren’t particularly happy with the transfer speculation, with many supporters fearing they could lose their star man for the upcoming season.
They can do one
— Stuart Naisbitt (@Stuartnaisbitt1) July 26, 2018
No need to sell @Patrick_Bamford, we need him. Too many goals in him, and he is a crowd favourite. Certainly not to Leeds especially!!!!!
— Simon Scotson (@simonscotson) July 25, 2018
I can accept Adama Traore to Wolves, but this, Patrick Bamford to a Championship rival….Don’t you f****** dare @Boro 🤬 https://t.co/qCNpJb8KYx
— Kamran (@K4MY_) July 25, 2018
Leeds can get bent.
— Big Rob (@RobSkilbeck) July 26, 2018
This Middlesbrough fan feels that it shouldn’t be Bamford that should depart, but a different striker at the club.
Give them Gestede
— Johnathon Bradshaw (@brad0401) July 26, 2018
Although some supporters are fearful of the forward’s exit, some feel that the deal is more likely to fall flat than not.
Well we all know this won't happen 😂
— Ben (@benoliver000) July 26, 2018
Not happening 100%
— Jason (@JasonHolliday_) July 26, 2018
This Middlesbrough fan sees Leeds losing interest due to the asking price of £16 million, highlighting their pursuit of Derby’s Matej Vydra fell at a similar hurdle.
Were letting Traore go we dont have a choice. And Bamford is Rated at 16mill Leeds ran at 11mill for Vydra 😂
— Jason (@JasonHolliday_) July 26, 2018
Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore has been attracting attention from the Premier League with Wolves and Huddersfield interested, as has centre-back Ben Gibson, and it is unlikely that Tony Pulis will want to sell another star player, especially to a Championship rival.