Exclusive: The likes of Southampton and Leicester City tipped to eye Leeds United attacker transfer | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing which Championship clubs could target a move for Leeds United's Patrick Bamford.

Leeds United will now be preparing for a summer transfer window as a Premier League club once again.

The Whites, along with title rivals Burnley, secured their top flight return on an Easter Monday that will live long in the memory for both sets of supporters.

As such, plans will now already be well underway at Elland Road regarding which departments of Daniel Farke's squad need strengthening, and if there are any fringe players that could be moved on to create room for new arrivals.

One such Whites player who could be on the chopping block is striker Patrick Bamford, who hasn't enjoyed a fruitful individual campaign.

As of 23 April, the 31-year-old has only made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, and has yet to score or provide a single assist, in a season that has seen him sidelined with injury problems too.

The veteran striker is set to enter his final 12 months under contract with Leeds this summer.

"Loads of teams" - Lee Hendrie makes Patrick Bamford, Championship transfer claim

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Lee Hendrie: 'Are there any EFL clubs that you think could be a good fit for Patrick Bamford next season? It feels likely he leaves Elland Road this summer.'

Hendrie said: "I think there's loads of teams in the Championship that will be looking at Patrick Bamford, particularly now that Leeds have gone up.

"I would've said that teams that are maybe coming out of the Premier League, top-half definitely. Obviously, he's struggled with injury and not been able to get himself back to full fitness, but just of late, he's been used and utilised as a sub where he's looked quite sharp and bright.

"You know that he's capable of scoring goals, particularly in the Championship and the EFL. He's more than capable of fitting the bill for, I think, any of the top clubs in the Championship.

"I think it would be down to his preference of who he goes to, and who can afford him really."

One key Patrick Bamford sticking point that could put Championship clubs off Leeds United striker

Whilst it has been a disappointing and frustrating season for Bamford, both in regard to his injury woes and his lack of production when he has played, he is still a player that has proven himself to be a quality marksman at Championship level over the course of his career.

As such, he will likely peak the interest of multiple EFL clubs this summer. However, there is one key sticking point that could delay and potentially rule certain teams out of the running for his signature entirely - wages.

According to Capology's figures, the experienced centre-forward is said to be earning an eye-watering £70,000-a-week with Leeds United.

If that number is accurate, then there might not be many, if any clubs, willing to hand him a similar wage packet to that given his 2024/25 season.

Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich Town will all be looking for ways to cut down their respective Premier League wage bills this summer, and so signing a player to those sorts of wages may well prove counter-effective in that regard.

As such, a loan move with Leeds United perhaps paying a significant chunk of his wages as part of the deal, is possibly the most likely route to a deal for Bamford this summer.