Pavoletti Linked: More Firepower?

While transfer windows are often full of a great deal of speculation, there is one name in particular that has reverberated around the Leeds United community - Leonardo Pavoletti. The Italian striker was first linked to the club back in the summer months, but it appears as though a Pavoletti signing could come to fruition in the coming days. With the club's ardent pursuits it becomes only natural to wonder who he is and what he would bring to the table.

The 1.88 meter tall Italian striker possesses a rather impressive pedigree in the world of Italian football. He is currently on the books at Serie A club Sassuolo and in three seasons with the I Neroverdi he has appeared 48 times and tallied 13 goals. In the 2013/2014 season he was loaned out to Serie B club AS Varese and knocked home an impressive 24 goals in 39 appearances. His current season with Sassuolo has been largely disappointing though, as he has only tallied once in 10 appearances.

However, judging from the below video it seems as though Pavoletti is a true goal scoring threat. His goals come from a variety of means and he appears to have a knack for showing up in the right place at the right time. The Italian overcomes his lack of pace with an innate finishing ability, aerial ability, and quick release.

With all of this considered it comes across as though Pavoletti could be a solution to Leeds' current goal scoring woes. The Whites have been held scoreless in their last two games and only been on the scoresheet twice in their last five matches. More broadly, Leeds has only scored 25 times in thier 24 games, which largely explains why the team sits 20th in the Championship table.

There may be a dearth of goals in the Leeds United camp, but there is not a similar absence of opportunities. Creative players like Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook, and Adryan all have recently been carving out chances for attacking players. However, people up front like Mirco Antenucci, Souleymane Doukara, and Billy Sharp have been unable to put them in the back of the net.

If Pavoletti signs, odds are he would not come to Elland Road and start firing home goals with ease, but there is no denying that some support is needed up front. He is a proven goal scorer and the Italian would provide gaffer Neil Redfearn with another viable option up front.

On a slightly less optimistic note there is one foil to this story. Leeds was recently hit by a transfer embargo by the Football Association due to financial issues. This would mean that the club would have to sign Pavoletti to a loan deal, which further complicates a possible transaction.

In spite of this, there is reason for hope. Recent reports say that Pavoletti was present at the 2-0 home defeat to Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day, altogether suggesting that his signing could come any day now. No matter what the end result becomes it is clear the Leeds are encountering a dry spell in front of goal and Pavoletti has the potential to be a saviour.

What do you make of the rumours? Do you think Pavoletti could help turn things around for Leeds? Should the club look to bolster other positions during the transfer window? Share your thoughts below.