TBR View: Patrick Bamford has softened the blow of Leeds not signing Ollie Watkins

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Leeds United were linked with a host of centre-forwards in the summer transfer window, as they looked to prepare for life back in the Premier League.

The Whites did sign Spain international Rodrigo from Valencia and he’s looked a great addition at Elland Road, but he’s mainly been used in a slightly deeper role in an attacking midfielder position.

That has left Patrick Bamford as the first-choice striker, which had many supporters fearful going into campaign as he lacked a clinical goalscoring touch in the Championship at times despite fitting Marcelo Bielsa’s system so effectively.

Leeds were linked with striker Ollie Watkins in the summer window, with the Daily Mail reporting in August that he was discussed by the Yorkshire club as a potential target.

The 24-year-old striker completed a £28million move (BBC) from Championship club Brentford to Aston Villa and he’s quickly settled to life in the top-flight by scoring eight goals (six in the Premier League) in 10 games across all competitions.

Leeds could have found themselves in a position massively regretting missing out on the signature of in-form Watkins and further down the line that may still be the case as he’s got the talent to become even better.

But it’s been a blessing in disguise for Bamford that no strikers have been signed to replace him, as he’s now looking as good as he ever has in his career and is the talisman for his team in the Premier League.

The left-footed striker has seven goals in eight games this season so far and is performing at a similar level to Watkins.

There is no need for the Yorkshire club to think about replacing him if he continues in his current vein of form and his performances have to be considered one of the biggest success stories of the season so far.