Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell feels striker Patrick Bamford should reject any approach from clubs – perhaps Tottenham – this summer and continue at Leeds United.
Teamtalk.com says Grantham-born Bamford, 27, has enjoyed his most prolific season, netting 17 Premier League goals for the Whites.
His return helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side finish a creditable ninth in the top-flight standings on their return to the division. It was the Elland Road club’s first foray into the Premier League in 16 years but they seemed at home back in the big time.
The challenge now for the Argentine is to build on his success to avoid ‘second season syndrome’. He will want to keep hold of his best players and Bamford certainly falls into that category.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for the former Middlesbrough man. Harry Kane’s future is very much up in the air and it was thought they were looking at Bamford as a possible replacement.
But Campbell feels the Grantham-born ace would be better served staying in West Yorkshire.
“Bamford has been superb, he really has,” he told Football Insider. “He is unlucky not to get in the England squad but there are so many good, young strikers around at the moment. Southgate really is spoiled for choice in the forward areas.
“I think he has played so well this season that a number of clubs will be looking at him. The bottom line is the system suits Bamford and other players at Leeds down to the ground.”
It has taken Bamford a while to show his true colours as a striker. He enjoyed a nomadic existence while on the Chelsea books, with spells at the likes of MK Dons, Derby and Crystal Palace.
The former England Under-21 star got a taste of Premier League football but never a decent run. He has that now with Leeds.
And Campbell believes that, although he could do a job at Spurs, remaining in an environment that suits him is key.
“If they (Spurs) lost Harry Kane and signed Bamford at least they would have a similar output,” he added. “Yes, somebody else would have to step up as well but to sign a 17-goal striker would be a start.
“If I was Bamford though I would reject any Tottenham offers and stick at Leeds. He loves it there and he knows the team and the manager so well.
“I’d ignore any interest and stay where I’m loved by the fans and my manager.”
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