Noel Whelan has admitted his concern over Kemar Roofe's contract situation at Leeds United, as the forward seeks an improved deal. 

The 26-year-old was one of the standout players for Leeds in the Championship last season and finished the campaign as the Whites' top scorer with 15 goals.

Roofe has one year remaining on his current contract at Elland Road and is not close to agreeing an extension. It was reported last month that the forward wants a £30,000-a-week deal when negotiations with the club begin.

Whelan has described Roofe as one of the best strikers in the Championship and has urged Leeds to keep hold of him. The ex-Leeds forward is concerned that Roofe could leave though, with his future at Elland Road currently up in the air.

“I’m very concerned about the contract talks. It’s important to keep him,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“You don’t want to lose a player who regularly scores goals, it’s as simple as that. Kemar Roofe is one of the best strikers in the Championship when he is at his best and he is a player we don’t want to lose.

“He needs to bag more goals and that means going to the next level and scoring 20 goals or more in the Championship. Who he cut it in the Premier League? I’m not sure, no-one knows that.”

Roofe was an important player for Leeds in the Championship last season, despite missing months of the campaign with various injury problems.

He struggled for form towards the end of the campaign, after he returned from over two months out with a knee injury, but did score in his final appearances of the season, the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Derby County.

The Verdict

I agree with Whelan here. Roofe was an important player for Leeds last season and will be key to their chances of success next season.

The club cannot afford to lose him and should do everything in their power to ensure he signs a new deal, they will be kicking themselves if they end up losing a player of his quality on a free transfer next summer.

I'm not sure if Leeds will be prepared to give him a £30,000-a-week contract though, so it will be very interesting to see if he is prepared to accept less.