Former Coventry City forward Gary McSheffrey has called on Leeds United to strengthen their attacking options if they are to win promotion this term.

Speaking to EFL on Quest following yesterday's round of fixtures, the Scot insisted Leeds cannot afford to make the same mistakes as last year and called on them to make a move for Newcastle United ace, Dwight Gayle.

"For me, [they need] a Dwight Gayle type of player. I think they missed that last season as well. That's what didn't get them over the line. And that's going to be their Achilles heel again as well." McSheffrey said.

Gayle was in fine form for West Brom last season, where he enjoyed an excellent loan spell at the Hawthorns in which he helped propel the club into the play-off places.

However, a summer move didn't materialise for the former Crystal Palace man, and he is now someone who is going to be on the market come January when clubs will no doubt look to strengthen their ranks ahead of the second half of season push.

Leeds have already added Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah to the ranks this term to support Patrick Bamford, but Gayle would, of course, bring a more or less guarantee of goals to the Elland Road outfit.

The Verdict

Gayle is always a name mentioned when it comes to signing new forwards in the Championship, and McSheffrey is spot on in his assessment here.

If Leeds did sign Gayle and were in the mix come January, then it would give them a massive boost in their hunt for promotion.

However, there's bound to be others interested, and Gayle might well want to stay in the Premier League if he can help it.