Stan Collymore urges Leeds to avoid Aston Villa strategy this summer

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Stan Collymore has claimed in his Daily Mirror column that Leeds United must avoid deploying a strategy like Aston Villa did last summer in the transfer window if they are to do well in the Premier League next season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are within an inch of confirming their long-awaited return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004, after a late 1-0 win over Swansea City – thanks to Pablo Hernandez’s 89th-minute strike.

With three league games to play, Leeds sit six points ahead of third-placed Brentford at the top of the Championship table. They play host to Barnsley on Thursday afternoon, and a win could see the Whites confirm promotion.

That is, if Brentford fail to beat Preston at Griffin Park on Wednesday evening. But with Leeds seemingly close to the Premier League, Collymore has urged the Whites to avoid adopting splashing £100million-plus, like Villa did.

“What I hope is that they don’t make the same mistake Aston Villa made this season, spending £100million-plus on potential, as they already have the nucleus of an exceptional young team,” Collymore said.

“They are good enough to have a successful season with the right couple of additions and by that I mean a mid-table finish. What will also be interesting is how Marcelo Bielsa copes with the Premier League and it may well be his work ethic works better over 38 games than 46.”

TBR’s view – What do Leeds need this summer?

Ben White, Jack Harrison and Illan Meslier all need to be signed permanently – and that could cost the club north of £40million, with White rated at £30million. Harrison has a clause of £8million, while Meslier’s is £5million.

A new striker is a necessity, with Jean-Kevin Augustin returning to Leipzig after a failed loan spell. Cover at centre-back, between the sticks and on the right side of the defence are also areas that require strengthening.

Yes, Leeds need to avoid bringing in an influx of players. But just to keep their same starting eleven, they must spend a huge fee on White, Harrison and Meslier – and that means spending could reach nine figures.