Ask any Leeds United fan what they think their side is still lacking after the summer window, and most will reply that they feel Daniel Farke’s side is lacking a top-quality, big-money, reliable striker.
Leeds tried to sign Harry Wilson on the final day of the window, with Robbie Evans confirming the club wanted a set-piece taking attacker who could play on the right flank, but also as an attacking midfielder.
Wilson fit the bill for Leeds. But after just one Premier League goal in three games – from a penalty – fans believe the club needed a big-money striker that the club could rely on to be fit every week this season.
There were strikers targeted. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, Everton star Beto and then some from overseas, Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, new Atalanta ace Nikola Krstovic. Now, Leeds have targeted a striker for January.
Harry Wilson smiles after a Fulham win.
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Leeds eyeing incredibly ambitious move for French striker
Crystal Palace’s success can be pinned on manager Oliver Glasner, but a lot has to be down to the core of this Palace side. Dean Henderson, Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze before he left and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Over the last two seasons, Mateta has scored 30 Premier League goals for Palace and has already got one this season. Now, Caught Offside claim Leeds, Aston Villa and Newcastle want to sign 28-year-old Mateta.
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates for Palace.
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It is claimed Palace want £40m for the striker. Mateta has now entered the final two years of his contract at Palace and could consider an exit, but the chances of Leeds landing the powerhouse striker is unlikely.
It is not the first time Leeds have been linked with Mateta
It is claimed Leeds have made Mateta a priority, but the chances of a side threatened with relegation being able to lure one of Palace’s main men to Elland Road midway through the season is almost at zero.
Daniel Farke, Leeds manger during game v Newcastle United.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
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However, Leeds have eyed Mateta in the past. Back in 2021, French website Le Phoceen claimed Leeds wanted to sign Mateta from Mainz but faced competition from Marseille and some Bundesliga clubs.
But in January 2022, Mateta moved to Palace and has since grown into one of the Premier League’s most-lethal strikers. If Mateta is going to leave Palace, joining a side like Villa or Newcastle seems more likely.