Millwall and QPR's rivals Leeds United land 'fantastic finisher' to boost promotion hopes
One of the Championship favourites have landed another impressive signing as preparations for the new season ramp up.
Millwall and Queens Park Rangers’ Championship rivals have managed to snap up an ‘amazing finisher’ on a loan deal. Leeds United are gearing up for what many expect will be another promotion push, with Daniel Farke’s men having missed out on promotion in the play-off final last term.
Leeds were dealt a blow early in the summer transfer window, losing star youngster Archie Gray to Tottenham, although the £40million - including Joe Rodon - allowed them to balance the books. Since then, the Whites have also snapped up Alex Cairns. Farke has now managed to lock down Joe Rothwell on a loan deal from AFC Bournemouth after he had a successful loan spell with Southampton last season.
Rothwell made 11 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth in the first half of the season, then going on to join the Saints in January, scoring four times in 16 league appearances in the Championship. Southampton boss Russell Martin said of Rotherwell last season in an interview with beIN Sports: “Joe is an amazing finisher. The first one looks easy but it isn’t, it is on the half volley, and then with the second he’s showed great composure. He was really great when he came on. “Him and Joe Aribo can be frustrated that they aren’t starting but they have two guys in front of them who have been playing really well. It is good problems for me but they have to keep doing what they have been doing when they get on to the pitch and being frustrated at not playing.” Upon signing with Leeds for the season, the 29-year-old said: “Unbelievable. As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something that I was desperate to make happen and thankfully we managed to do it quite quickly so I am delighted to get going now.
"I am a central midfielder, I like to try and pick the ball up a bit deeper and drive with the ball. I think that's one of the main qualities that I possess and it's something that has boded me well throughout my career so it will be something that I try to emulate here and hopefully the fans enjoy what I do."