Charlton Athletic may lose star attacker Miles Leaburn during the January transfer window, with a recent report claiming he is being watched by a Premier League side currently competing in Europe.
According to TeamTalk, the 20-year-old has become a target for Europa Conference League champions West Ham United, having scored seven goals in 18 appearances for the Addicks this term already in all competitions.
The outlet are claiming that the Hammers have a two-tiered approach to scouting and are currently looking to dip into the Football League market this winter once more, having been unsuccessful in their pursuit of Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards during the summer.
Leaburn, the son of former Charlton striker Carl Leaburn, has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, whom he left in 2019 after spending years in the academy system to move to The Valley.
Since making his first-team debut at Charlton Athletic, the forward has gone on to make 58 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and recording six assists in all competitions, averaging almost one goal contribution per game.
Leaburn is Charlton’s third-highest goalscorer this season too. Only summer signing Alfie May and Corey Blackett-Taylor have found the net more times than the highly-rated 20-year-old.
Unfortunately, the youngster picked up a significant injury blow, after limping off the pitch during Charlton’s 2-1 win over Cheltenham Town last Tuesday. Head coach Michael Appleton confirmed that Leaburn will be absent for up to five months.
Nevertheless, TeamTalk hold firm that West Ham United are still interested in the striker’s signature, although they may be forced to wait until the summer to make a move.
Writer’s View
It’s not uncommon for West Ham to look at the leagues below the Premier League when signing talent, with the likes of Jarred Bowen, Jordan Hugill and Said Benrahma all coming from clubs in the Championship.
Leaburn certainly has what it takes to play at a higher level and looks destined for the top flight, but the Hammers may now wait until he recovers from his lengthy injury before enquiring about his availability.
Deputy Head of Writing
