Leeds United are set to target Portsmouth winger Jamal Lowe as they look to challenge for promotion to the Premier League again next season.

Lowe top scored for Portsmouth this season with 15 goals in 45 League One appearances, but was unable to secure promotion back to the Championship for Pompey, as they suffered a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Sunderland in the play-off semi finals.

With Portsmouth's League One status now confirmed for next season, it is expected that clubs from higher divisions will take an interest in Lowe, with Sky Sports reporting that Leeds, along with Wigan and recently relegated Premier League side Cardiff are interested in the winger.

[ad_pod ]

 

It is thought that Pompey's asking price for Lowe will be set at £2million, and it remains to be seen what impact that will have on the interest there is in 25-year-old.

Here we look at two pros and two cons for Leeds United if they are to secure the services of the attacker...

Pro: He's a cheaper alternative

It was recently reported by The Sun that Leeds are considering a permanent move for winger Jack Harrison, who has spent the season on loan at Elland Road from Manchester City, but that the Premier League champions' £20million valuation of Harrison could put Leeds off.

With an asking price of just £2million, Lowe would cost just a fraction of what Leeds would have to pay for Harrison, and given the much more impressive return than Harrison's four goals that Lowe has provided, he may be the more sensible option of the two.

Pro: He could offer a Plan B

One the reasons that many felt Leeds' automatic promotion push fell away so dramatically towards the end of the season was the lack of a creative spark to turn the course of games in their final moments.

Having Lowe available to call upon if Leeds' other attackers are struggling to break down opposition defences could be crucial, and it is unlikely that many will want a player with his ability up against when the miles start to take their toll in the legs towards the end of a game or season.

Con: He hasn't played at this level before

Having been plucked from non-league obscurity by Portsmouth, League One is the highest level that Lowe has played at.

While that remains the case there will always be a concern that Lowe has reached the level that he is most comfortable at, meaning that while all the signs are positive so far, it is still possible the winger could struggle to make the step up to the Championship, leaving Leeds out of pocket and no closer to the Premier League.

Con: It could draw sides to Leeds other assets

If Leeds do secure the signing of Lowe, then other sides may be tempted to move for some of the club's other attacking midfielders.

Jack Clarke has already been linked with Tottenham, while it is generally accepted that Pablo Hernandez is more than capable of playing in the Premier League.

Signing Lowe may encourage top flight clubs to up their attempts to bring in players such as these.