According to Football Insider, Leeds United will only allow Derby County target Tyler Roberts to leave should they sign a top-quality replacement in January.
The 21-year-old forward has barely featured for Leeds this season.
Marcelo Bielsa has largely stuck with the same forward line in each game, and his faith was heavily repaid during Leeds’ 5-2 thrashing over Newcastle United in midweek.
Roberts has become a victim of Bielsa’s consistency. The Wales international’s last start came in early October in the 1-1 draw with former champions Manchester City.
According to The Times in the summer, Derby were keen on a deal for him.
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But the latest from Football Insider claims Leeds aren’t willing to let sell or loan him in January unless they manage to sign a top-quality attacking replacement.
Roberts is versatile. He can play as an attack-minded midfielder or as a centre-forward.
He told the BBC back in September how he sees himself as a future number nine. However, that spot has been largely occupied at Elland Road by Patrick Bamford.
Roberts cost Leeds £4 million in 2018. At 21, he still has lots of potential. But with the European Championships around the corner, he surely must be eager to play.
Derby, meanwhile, will identify a new striker as a top priority in January.
The Rams are among the lowest scorers in the Championship this season.
Colin Kazim-Richards has been a surprise success story at Pride Park so far, but the 34-year-old isn’t a long-term solution while his fitness levels remain a doubt.
Roberts could be an ideal addition at Derby in a move which would suit all parties.
Interim manager Wayne Rooney is already showing signs of progress. Derby are six games unbeaten, while youngsters Jason Knight and Lee Buchanan continue to thrive.
Also see: Report: Top-flight club keen to sell Derby and Leeds target Mourinho dubbed ‘very good’
Also see: ‘Played his last game for us’: Some Derby fans react to devastating injury news