How he rates: Izale McLeod, Milton Keynes Dons

As Milton Keynes Dons face the very real threat of relegation from League One, they have to decide which route to take during the transfer window with Izale McLeod. Plenty of clubs are showing an interest in this talented but unpredictable goalscorer.

At 6ft 1in, with good acceleration and an ability to sustain pace over a distance, McLeod has proved a handful to League One defences over the past two seasons. He is maturing and learning to use his speed to get into goalscoring positions.

There are rough edges to his game but prudent coaching would refine them and he has already come on a lot since I first saw him playing for Derby, when he looked a raw talent but with little appreciation or understanding of the game.

At the time he reminded me of a young Lomana LuaLua at Colchester, worth a gamble but with little substance behind the trickery. Now he has shown he can score and make goals and the £100,000 or so that MK Dons paid to secure his services looks a shrewd investment. He is rated at more than £1m by the club now.

I have watched him several times and found him an easy mover with a relaxed running style who can control and manipulate the ball with ease. He possesses the body movement to deceive or sway past defenders and is prepared to use his weaker foot, his left. On New Year's Day against Oldham he used it to cross when running out of space near the byline and pushed the ball dangerously across the six-yard box.

He is a fair finisher who can score goals from inside and outside the penalty area and shows a willingness to attack the ball in the air on crosses. His movement to reach a neat centre from Nicky Rizzo against Oldham showed canny anticipation as his header flashed just wide and he is good at reading flick-ons.

He prefers facing defenders rather than playing with his back to goal but, partnered by a talented front man who can hold the ball up, McLeod could thrive at a higher level if he works hard and is willing to listen and learn.

He looks to dribble and is clever at close quarters but I saw a negative, too, when his head is down: he does not always appreciate colleagues when in possession. Is that because of selfishness or an inability to get his head up? A little bit of both, probably, but good coaching should fix it.

I also noted that McLeod stands and watches occasionally when dispossessed and he needs to prove that he has the determination and drive required. While all the transfer talk is in the air my advice to him is to buckle down and play every game as if it were his last.

When he was substituted against Oldham he looked upset with his form and the crowd seemed supportive of the manager Danny Wilson's decision to take him off. They have been niggled by reports of an imminent move (Wolves have had a £1.4m bid accepted) and are not convinced he remains committed. McLeod needs to work hard and realise that good things come to those who do.

Age 21

Born Perry Barr

Position Striker

Height 6ft 1in

Weight 12st 6lb

From Derby County

Pace 9

Heading 8

Awareness 6

Bravery 7

Team responsibility 7

Valuation A reported £1.4m