Rafa Benitez’ frustrations with Newcastle United’s activity in the transfer market has been well documented, but the Toon are looking to rectify this in January by swooping in for a striker who has been lighting up the Championship this season with Leeds United.
Kemar Roofe has tallied up 13 goals in 18 games for the Whites this season, putting him in the running for the league’s top scorer alongside such luminaries as Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp, Brentford former Neal Maupay, and on-loan Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham pillaging at Aston Villa
The Mirror reports that 25-year-old Roofe is the primary target for Newcastle, who have registered just 17 goals this season, the joint-third lowest in the Premier League. That’s just four more than Roofe has managed by himself for Leeds.
Roofe has been at Leeds since 2016, when he was signed for £3million from Oxford United. Any offer forthcoming for the English forward from Newcastle is set to be considerably higher, with the player receiving high praise from ex-player Darren Bent recently;
“This season, he has rolled his sleeves up, he is playing in his preferred position, which is a centre-forward, and it’s no surprise to me that he’s already bettered the goals already this season than he did last season.
"He’s getting important goals, not any goals where they are scrapping here and there.” (EFL on Quest)
It has been reported that the move to St. James’ Park could happen due to Leeds’ interest in Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but fans of the Yorkshire club were quick to share their concerns on social that one of the star men could be leaving for the higher league, just as they’re anticipating a return to the top tier for the first time in 15 years.
"ON WHAT PLANET ARE LEEDS SELLING ONE OF THE KEY REASONS THEY MIGHT GET PROMOTED THIS YEAR?!" (@davidpick1987)
"A bid for Roofe is a joke, Leeds wouldn't sell in a million years, so any talk of him is a waste of space as well." (@BRADY1892)
"January will be a long month filled with transfer gossip. Roofe is surely worth at least £20m. Wouldn't rule out the club selling if that kind of money was offered to Leeds" (@CillDaraTimes)
Despite Leeds losing to resurgent Hull City this weekend, they remain top of the Championship pile on 51 points, with second-place Norwich capitulating in stunning scences to Frank Lampard’s Derby County.
