Two of the players Leeds are linked with are no strangers to controversy, in the shape of ex-Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton and Motherwell striker Lee Erwin.
32-year-old Barton has been released by QPR as the west London mob need to cut their wage bill after relegation, and he could be the man to give our midfield the bite we lacked on too many occasions last season. Yet we all know he’s a bit of a hot-head who has been sent off nine times in his career, and he doesn’t seem to have mellowed with age.
Many would say his short fuse would make him a complete liability, but he certainly wouldn’t be the first hard man to enjoy cult status at Elland Road. And in the past Barton has spoken fondly about our wonderful stadium on twitter. "Love playing at Elland Rd. Proper stadium. Great atmosphere and lovely surface.”
One obstacle could be his wages, as we certainly couldn’t match the amount he would have been on last season in the Premiership, but he wouldn’t actually be ‘taking a pay cut’ (as some sites have reported) as he’s now out of contract. At his age he might have to take whatever is offered, and it’s possible that no other club will match the amount we are willing to pay him.
Another reported target is 21-year-old Motherwell striker Lee Erwin , and the Yorkshire Post have reported that Massimo Cellino met his agent last week. Erwin is a 6’2” centre forward and could be needed if Rosler wants to play a more direct style of football next season, given that Leeds are unlikely to extend the loan of the disappointing Cani.
But Erwin was also embroiled in controversy yesterday, being one of three players sent off after the final whistle when a brawl erupted after Motherwell’s play-off win over Rangers. That began when Erwin pushed Rangers’ Bilel Mohsni after his offer of a handshake was refused and the hairy Tunisian reacted with furiously with punches and kicks, before others players from both teams waded in.
So presumably Erwin will start next season with a three match ban, and will also be questioned by the police as they investigate the incident. But I reckon it could be worth an appeal over Erwin’s red card, as his push wasn’t worthy of a straight red, and it’s not his fault that Mohsni over-reacted.
But anyway, Erwin is highly rated and has been capped by Scotland at Under-19 level. He is out of contract at the end of this month and has yet to agree a new deal with Motherwell , but Leeds would be required to pay a ‘development’ fee for him due to his age.
Leeds face competition from rival championship clubs for both players, with Bolton reported to be interested in Barton, but if we can sign them both they would help us achieve a good balance of youth and experience, provided they can manage to keep their tempers in check.
Leeds have appointed of Martyn Glover as the new head of recruitment after deciding not to appoint former Norwich scout Steve Head last week. Glover previously held the same role at West Ham.