Watford have reportedly knocked Leeds United back after the Championship club ‘asked the question’ over the availability of Andre Gray.  

Leeds are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements this month, after Eddie Nketiah was recalled by Arsenal following a tough loan spell that yielded only two starts in the Championship.

Che Adams at Southampton is a top target for Marcelo Bielsa, but understandably, Leeds are looking to identify other players that could come in and provide competition for Patrick Bamford.

According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, Leeds did make contact with Watford over the availability of Gray, but were reportedly told ‘no’ as they looked to suss out whether a move to Elland Road would be a possibility.

Gray has been with Watford over the last three seasons, with the 28-year-old scoring 14 Premier League goals. However, he’s started only seven times for the Hornets this term.

Prior to that, Gray scored nine top-flight goals for Burnley in 2016/17 and also fired the Clarets to promotion from the Championship with 23 goals the season before.

Additionally, the Wolverhampton-born forward scored 19 Championship goals in 49 outing for Brentford.

Leeds are actively looking for Nketiah’s replacement, with Bamford the only recognised senior forward on the books at Elland Road.

He’s currently scored 10 goals this season.

QUIZ: Can you name these 18 ex-Leeds United players?

The Verdict

There’s no doubting that Leeds need to get moving this month, as finding someone to replace Nketiah is a necessity.

Adams would be a good option, and you’ve got to say that Gray would have been too, which makes Watford’s rejection a little bit frustrating.

However, the calibre of player Leeds are after suggests the club are fishing in the right hole to fill Marcelo Bielsa’s needs.

Thoughts? Let us know!