The absence of Kemar Roofe has hurt Leeds United over the course of September, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side not looking anywhere near as clinical without the 25-year-old.

Leeds’ blistering start to the Championship season was because of Roofe’s goals, with the ex-Oxford ace silencing his critics with four goals and two assists in just six appearances.

Roofe hasn’t featured since the end of August, with Bielsa forced to turn to Tyler Roberts over the course of September. Roberts has two goals to his name, but Leeds have missed Roofe’s clinical edge.

Recent reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post have confirmed that Leeds are looking to hold contract talks with Roofe, as they look to extend his deal beyond the summer of 2020.

As things start moving, Leeds’ supporters should be encouraged by the club’s ambition and change in strategy under Andrea Radrizzani.

Since relegation from the Premier League in 2004, not one of Leeds’ owners have been as popular as Radrizzani. The Italian hasn’t been faultless, but he’s done a lot of good things.

Under the likes of Ken Bates and Massimo Cellino, Leeds often lost their prized assets, whether they were in the form of academy players or star strikers, with Jermaine Beckford, Luciano Becchio and Ross McCormack all high-profile departures under previous regimes.

Radrizzani’s attitude at Leeds is different, with key players tied down to long-term contract, which appears to be the plan with Roofe.

Of course, whilst Leeds remain a Championship side, money will talk. However, if Leeds get Roofe on a long-term deal, the 25-year-old will not depart on the cheap, as the likes of Beckford and Becchio did.

It’s hard to criticise Leeds for moving to open talks with Roofe, who has been superb this season and is more than deserving of a contract extension.

It just goes to show how Radrizzani has changed the mentality of the Elland Road club.

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