When Leeds United were promoted in the summer of 2020, it was seen as a major moment for English football. Here was a genuine powerhouse, a major name within northern football, back in the top-flight. And with that came a desire and a passion for spending money – something that Leeds were happy to do in the summer, breaking their own transfer record more than a few times. One place where signings might still be needed, though, is up-front. While Patrick Bamford has done a fine job in the top flight this time around, more numbers – and options – are likely needed to keep Leeds flying high.

The name most strongly being linked with a move to Elland Road is Andy Delort. Director of Football Victor Orta has been happy to look closely at the player, and has shown an interest in bringing him onboard in the near future. Montpellier would be happy to sell, too, and the player could arrive before the end of the 2021 winter transfer window. However, at the moment, it is believed that dialogue between the two clubs is yet to really hit fever pitch.

Transfer progress has been noticeably slower this year, with Leeds unwilling to invest heavily in players that are not 100% suitable. Coach Marcelo Bielsa has in the past had an almost devout faith in players he already has, and has been unwilling to invest for squad depth without knowing the player is the perfect fit. As one of the few managers in the game not eager to spend money for the sake of it, Leeds have been patient with their search for another forward.

And it looks like that search could be over with the Montpellier hitman being strongly linked with a winter move.

Is Andy Delort good enough for Leeds United?

Having been a fixture in the French top-flight for several years now, Delort has long been linked with bigger names in the French game. The likes of Olympique Lyonnais and Marseille have been linked beforehand, as despite not being a prolific forward Delort has been noted as a consistent player who can bring a lot more to a team than goals alone. He has, though, stayed at Montpellier for several seasons.

Delort, though, has made a strong start to this season, scoring 9 goals in just 18 games, making this one of the more prolific years of his career. His bustling, aggressive, pressing style would also be a good stylistic fit for Leeds who need someone else who can keep the attack flowing and to help get the team further up the pitch when it comes to counter-attacking and breaks.

However, for many Leeds fans, the move for Delort is further proof that the squad needs a bit of extra fattening up. Despite impressing for much of the first half of the season, results have tailed off slightly and Leeds need to find some momentum fast; a new powerhouse striker to take the heat off Bamford could be just what they need.