Leeds United have been frequently linked by sources in Italy with a move for Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic, but it’s wildly contrasting to what is being said in West Yorkshire.
A striker is already through the doors at Elland Road this summer thanks to the free agent signing of Lukas Nmecha, following his exit from Wolfsburg.
Nmecha isn’t here Leeds’ business begins and ends at the top end of the pitch though, with reports of offers in for both targets both domestic and in Europe.
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We’ve already seen Leeds table a £32million offer for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, which virtually confirms attempts to provide Daniel Farke with a new number nine to contribute to the Whites finishing north of 18th place next season.
Reports of Leeds United’s ‘accepted’ Nikola Krstovic bid emerging
Italian outlets have been quite active in their speculation surrounding Leeds already this summer, with the 49ers clearly paying attention to Serie A talent, following Jaka Bijol’s £15million arrival on Monday.
Another heavily linked from that part of the world is Lecce’s 11-goal, five-assist striker Nikola Krstovic – the latest update coming from notable journalist Matteo Moretto, who shared on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube that Leeds have actually agreed a fee with the Serie A club for his transfer, amounting to £22.17million (add-ons included).
(REUTERS/Stevo Vasiljevic)
However, this update comes with the caveat that Krstovic is currently holding out for a move elsewhere in Serie A, as opposed to leaving Italy for the Premier League.
Contrasting claims from the UK over Leeds United’s ‘interest’ in Nikola Krstovic
What is being said in Italian media is seriously contrasting to what is emerging from reports closer to home, though.
The Yorkshire Evening Post revealed that “no such talks” between Leeds and Lecce have taken place regarding the 25-year-old Montenegrin.
Meanwhile, the same is said by both LeedsLive and LeedsUnited.news, as the latter states that there is zero truth in Leeds even holding interest in the Serie A striker – since clarified by Graham Smyth on Tuesday lunchtime.
It is said that Leeds are definitely aware of the striker’s capabilities after firing Lecce to top flight survival with a goal and two assists in his last three games of the campaign, but interest in striking a deal is not the case.
Leeds’ revamped data-led approach to recruitment means any high-performing forward in a ‘top five league’ will be subject to a deeper dive, Krstovic likely included, but any work on a transfer beyond that doesn’t appear true, according to those relating from club sources.
Leeds United need a striker, but Krstovic seems like one to forget about at this stage
It’s obvious that Leeds are going to need a new striker, and they are well on their way to zeroing in on their key targets.
However, the speculation on Krstovic just appears to be Leeds being used as a tool, given multiple sources close to the club deny he’s even a target, let alone someone we’ve agreed a fee for.
His plans to remain in Italy might suggest Leeds are being used as a vehicle to generate domestic interest, maximising his value from a league rival.
Leeds could certainly do worse than Krstovic, and the Serie A is a league we are delving into, but the 49ers’ plans to provide competition to Joel Piroe don’t appear to include Lecce’s star man.