Leeds United gossip column: Griffiths linked with Whites, Millers interested in Austin - Yorkshire Evening Post 18/5/15
LEEDS United are set to make a £1 million offer in an attempt to take Leigh Griffiths from Celtic this summer, according to reports.
The Scottish Sun claim the Yorkshire club want the in-form striker to spearhead their attack next season as they look to climb out of the English football league for the first time since their 2004 Premier League relegation.
Leeds have been one of the English Championship’s lowest scorers this term with only 50 goals scored in 46 games.
Owner Massimo Cellino is said to have his heart set on the Scottish international who he sees as the player to reverse the club’s fortunes in front of goal.
However, it may take more than £1 million to persuade Celtic to part with a player they reportedly paid the same amount to sign from Wolves in last year’s January transfer window.
After a slow start to his career at Parkhead, Griffiths has caught fire in 2015 with 15 goals in his last 20 games, including a pair of hat-tricks. He is contracted until 2018 on a reported £8,000 a week wage.
Meanwhile, Rotherham United are the latest side to be linked with midfielder Rodolph Austin, who was last week released by the Elland Road club.
The Jamaican international, 29, made 112 appearances for the Whites after his arrival in 2012, scoring 10 goals.
Bolton, Birmingham and Brighton has also been credited with an interest in Austin, along with Burnley.
Leeds turned down a £500,000 bid for Austin from Wigan in January.
It has been suggested that Scottish champions Celtic could be the destination for Austin to play his football next season, but having secured Championship status this season, Rotherham are hopeful that they can persuade Austin to make the short trip to South Yorkshire for next season’s campaign.
Austin won the Goal of the Year Award at Leeds United’s End of Season Awards earlier this month for his half-volley effort against Watford.
The Scottish Sun claim the Yorkshire club want the in-form striker to spearhead their attack next season as they look to climb out of the English football league for the first time since their 2004 Premier League relegation.
Leeds have been one of the English Championship’s lowest scorers this term with only 50 goals scored in 46 games.
Owner Massimo Cellino is said to have his heart set on the Scottish international who he sees as the player to reverse the club’s fortunes in front of goal.
However, it may take more than £1 million to persuade Celtic to part with a player they reportedly paid the same amount to sign from Wolves in last year’s January transfer window.
After a slow start to his career at Parkhead, Griffiths has caught fire in 2015 with 15 goals in his last 20 games, including a pair of hat-tricks. He is contracted until 2018 on a reported £8,000 a week wage.
Meanwhile, Rotherham United are the latest side to be linked with midfielder Rodolph Austin, who was last week released by the Elland Road club.
The Jamaican international, 29, made 112 appearances for the Whites after his arrival in 2012, scoring 10 goals.
Bolton, Birmingham and Brighton has also been credited with an interest in Austin, along with Burnley.
Leeds turned down a £500,000 bid for Austin from Wigan in January.
It has been suggested that Scottish champions Celtic could be the destination for Austin to play his football next season, but having secured Championship status this season, Rotherham are hopeful that they can persuade Austin to make the short trip to South Yorkshire for next season’s campaign.
Austin won the Goal of the Year Award at Leeds United’s End of Season Awards earlier this month for his half-volley effort against Watford.
