Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has spoken out on what he believes his old club need to do in the summer to ensure they have a good run at promotion.

The Whites finished third in the Championship and ultimately lost out in the play-offs against Derby County, and Mills believes the club now need to go all out to bring in a top striker during the summer.

“Leeds need a striker this summer,” Mills told Football Insider

"Their top scorer is Kemar Roofe, who’s scored 15 goals in total, which is not outstanding. He’s done well, but it’s not enough. Leeds need a striker who can score 20-plus goals. You think of someone like Dwight Gayle, who is far more prolific, and he could make all the difference."

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Gayle was in fine form for Albion but like Leeds, they saw their promotion challenge grind to a halt thanks to a defeat against Midlands rivals Aston Villa in the play-offs.

However, Mills believes that Gayle's situation at St James' Park with Newcastle means that Leeds can go all out to capture the former Crystal Palace man.

“He’s available as he’s finished his (West Brom) loan and going back to Newcastle, where [Rafael] Benitez doesn’t really fancy him.” Mills added.

Leeds' future still remains in doubt with Marcelo Bielsa yet to decide if he is to stay on at Elland Road and renew what is thought to be a rolling contract of sorts with the club.

The signing of someone like Gayle would of course be a huge boost to the club, but they will no doubt face competition for a man who is more or less a guarantee of 20 goals at Championship level.

The Verdict

Mills is right in his assessment of Leeds needing a top striker but whether they can attract Gayle is another matter entirely.

Newcastle will want a decent fee for their man too and if he is to be on the move, there's likely to be interest from the Premier League as well.