Leicester City have been linked with a move for Leeds United striker Sam Greenwood ahead of the January transfer window.
As reported by TEAMtalk on Saturday, Leicester have joined Premier League sides, West Ham and Crystal Palace in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.
Greenwood is currently embarking on a season-long loan at Middlesbrough and the Teesside club were able to seal an option in his contract to make a deal permanent for £1.5 million.
It is claimed, however, that Boro could find it hard to hold onto their loan sensation if promotion isn’t secured this season, which could propel the Foxes into the driving seat.
During his time in the North East, Greenwood has become a revelation and his sublime free-kick against Leicester recently were one of several that moments have caught the eye.
The youngster has scored four goals and two assists this term, all of which have come in his last eight appearances for the club.
With this purple patch of form attracting Leicester, in particular, there are several reasons why securing Greenwood could be a profitable avenue for Enzo Maresca to go down.
Why Leicester should sign Sam Greenwood
Despite being the joint-second top scorers in the division, Leicester are in desperate need of some firepower at the top end of the pitch.
Jamie Vardy has netted six goals in 18 Championship appearances this term, however, age isn’t on his side and Leicester will need to plan for life without the Englishman.
At 36-years-old, Vardy’s best years are behind him and although he’s still just as ruthless in front of goal, replacing him with a talented youngster is the best course of action in the long run.
If captured from Leeds, Greenwood would offer Maresca youth and some much-needed versatility in the final third having shown he’s comfortable at cutting in from the left flank, playing as a lone striker or driving up the pitch from an advanced midfield position.
With age on his side, the “big talent” as lauded by former manager Jesse Marsch – can offer so much quality in attacking third and can produce a moment of brilliance, as he did against the Foxes.
Marsch also went on to praise other aspects of his game that show he’s a complete player following an impressive pre-season in 2022.
He said: “He fits within what we’re trying to build within our team. He’s a hard worker, he’s an intelligent guy, he’s able and that’s the reason why we use him in a lot of positions, because he’s very adaptable. He understands tactics and his role and he has big talent.”
There’s clearly a lot to like about Greenwood and if Maresca can prise him to the King Power Stadium, he can fit perfectly into the Italian’s adaptable system.