Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Michy Batshuayi to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to Sacha Tavolieri, with the Belgian journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter (via Sport Witness) that, despite Everton previously looking to have been leading the race for the Chelsea centre-forward’s signature, the Toffees are now out of contention to land the 28-year-old prior to September’s transfer deadline.
Tavolieri goes on to state that both Leeds and Newcastle United are in contention for the Belgium international, while Thomas Tuchel’s side are thought to prefer a permanent sale of the striker as opposed to sanctioning another season-long loan.
In his post, the journalist said: “About the possible arrival of Michy Batshuayi to Everton: Been told the system setup by Franck Lampard would not suit the player’s football well. Leeds & Newcastle could be other solutions until the end of the transfer window. Chelsea leaning towards a definitive sale.”
“Sensational signing”
While it is true that, following his £33m move to Stamford Bridge back in 2016, things have not exactly worked out as planned for the centre-forward – having featured just 77 times for the Blues – the 28-year-old nevertheless proved just how astute an addition he would be to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking options during a loan spell with Besiktas JK last season.
Indeed, over his 33 Super Lig appearances in 2021/22, the £9m-rated talent was in remarkable goalscoring form, hitting the back of the net 14 times, registering three assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.0 shots – 1.2 of which hit the target – making 0.8 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.
For comparison, over Raphinha’s – Leeds’ top goalscorer last season – 35 Premier League fixtures last time out, the Brazilian scored 11 goals, provided three assists and created ten big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots – 0.7 of which hit the target – making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per outing.
However, with the 25-year-old having left Elland Road this summer, coupled with the Whites’ first choice number nine, Patrick Bamford, already struggling with injuries this season, it is evident that Marsch is in need of greater depth up top should he wish to sustain Leeds’ fantastic start to their 2022/23 campaign.
And, considering just how impressive the £90k-per-week player who Ian Abrahams dubbed a “sensational signing” was in Turkey last season, it would indeed appear as if the 28-year-old Chelsea hitman would be exactly that if he joined the Whites’ current options up top.
from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/arN3K7I
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