Sunderland could now face competition for Ali Al-Hamadi.
That’s according to South London Press, who have reported that Leeds United are now keeping tabs on the striker.
Ali Al-Hamadi joined AFC Wimbledon from Wycombe Wanderers in January and has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in League Two, netting 10 goals in only 19 games in the second half of the campaign.
The 21-year-old’s impressive form has continued into the current season, bagging four goals and five assists in Wimbledon’s opening 14 matches.
Sunderland Nation reported last week that Sunderland were tracking Al-Hamadi after his impressive year in the English capital, while Barnsley, Peterborough United and Coventry City all said to be interested.
The report claims that the Black Cats had send scouts to watch Al-Hamadi in action during their goalless draw with Barrow last month.
It is believed that Wimbledon want over £1.2 million for the forward, while Leeds United could now rival Sunderland for his signature.
Sunderland have desperately needed a proven goalscorer since Ross Stewart got injured right at the start of their year, however their pursuit that has seen them bring in four new forwards doesn’t seem to have gone to plan.
Should Sunderland be chasing Ali Al-Hamadi?
While Ali Al-Hamadi is clearly a very exciting prospect and would come from an area of the EFL that the Black Cats haven’t really looked at, it seems like another huge risk that we shouldn’t really be willing to take.
If Sunderland are going to buy in January then it needs to be in an experienced Championship striker.
What makes the potential transfer even less convincing is that the Iraq international will be in Qatar for the Asia Cup at the start of the new year.
To spend £1.2m on a 21-year-old player impressing in League Two seems like a big jump, especially given that a bidding war could start next summer.
Perhaps we should try and develop the young strikers we already have before adding even more.