Leeds United have made an approach to sign Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, alongside two other Premier League clubs, and a January move could now be possible.
A lack of goals has been an issue for Leeds so far this season, having scored just ten Premier League goals, the joint-second lowest figure in the top flight, with Danny Murphy bemoaning their lack of quality attacking options back in September.
Murphy said: "I think the biggest problem for Burnley and Leeds is firepower. I agree with what we talked about earlier. I think all the newly promoted sides doing well is great for the Premier League.
"I’d like to see them all stay up, actually. But I don’t think it’ll be the case.
Since then, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has continued to struggle in front of goal, having found the back just once in nine league outings, although Daniel Farke will be glad Lukas Nmecha scored his first goal from open play at the weekend, albeit in a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
everton-leeds-lukas-nmecha
As a result of that loss, the Whites are just one point above the relegation zone, sitting in 16th place, and it has been revealed they have now made an approach to sign a new forward ahead of the January transfer window.
According to journalist Fabricio Lopes (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now made contact to sign Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, and the Brazilian club could be willing to sanction a move in the January transfer window.
Indeed, Flamengo have become increasingly frustrated with Plata, given that he went to a nightclub before an important match, which means they will now be open to offers this winter, although there could be competition for his signature.
Racing Club's Marcos Rojo in action with Flamengo's Gonzalo Plata
AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United have also made enquiries over a deal for the Flamengo star, who remains under contract until June 2029, putting his current employers in a strong negotiating position.
There may be some concerns over the 25-year-old's off-field issues, but he certainly has plenty of ability, having been lauded as "exceptional" by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this year.
The Ecuadorian is established at international level, having scored eight goals in 45 appearances for his national side, while the versatile attacker, who is also capable of playing at centre-forward, has also chipped in with 17 goal contributions in 63 appearances for Flamengo.
Leeds may need a fresh injection of quality in attack if they are to avoid the drop, given that not a single one of their players has scored over two goals this season.
Leeds' top scorers Number of goals
Joe Rodon 2
Lukas Nmecha 2
Noah Okofor 2
Sean Longstaff 1
Brenden Aaronson 1
Anton Stach 1
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 1
That said, it would be a risk to sign Plata, given that the Ecuador international is unproven in the Premier League, and wasn't exactly prolific in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A, netting four goals in 24 outings.
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