Leeds United have now made contact over a deal for a £17m-rated striker, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
Leeds eyeing new striker amid Piroe doubts
Joel Piroe was the Championship's top scorer last season, finishing the campaign with 19 goals, however, the Whites have doubts over the forward in the top flight. Former Arsenal man Alan Smith has also expressed concerns about whether Piroe will be able to cut it in the Premier League.
Smith said: "You look at who’s scoring the goals last season for Leeds, like Dan James, and Joel Piroe, the Dutchman.
"Are these boys going to be good enough for the Premier League? James has already had a crack at it, and it’s not really worked, so I think Leeds still need more players."
Joel-Piroe-Leeds
Smith also expressed his concern over the potential signing of Callum Wilson, given his age and injury record, but Daniel Farke's side are now looking at signing a younger centre-forward, albeit with less experience at the top level.
According to Tavolieri, in a report for Sky Sports on Monday, Leeds have now been in contact to explore the possibility of a deal for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, having deemed bringing in a new centre-forward a priority this summer.
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Leeds are now looking to tie down one of their key players from the 2024/25 season, but talks are stalling.
It could take a bid of up to €20m (£17m) to prise Sargent away from Norwich, however, and he is not the only striker on the shortlist, with Everton's Beto also of interest to the Championship winners.
In talks with his entourage, the Norwich forward has made it clear he would be keen on a move to the Premier League, which means a move to Elland Road could be of great appeal to the 25-year-old.
"Exceptional" Sargent impressing in the Championship
Smith has doubts about whether Piroe will be able to make the step-up to the Premier League, but the American is also relatively unproven above the Championship, having scored just two goals in 26 games in his previous stint in the top flight back in 2021-22.
sargent-leeds-transfer-gossip-farke-piroe-championship
However, there are signs the Missouri-born striker has developed considerably since then, having scored a combined 44 goals in his past three Championship campaigns, most recently collecting 20 goal contributions in 32 appearances.
Lauded as "exceptional" by members of the media, Sargent may deserve another chance to prove himself at Premier League level, and Wilson's very poor injury record could make the USA international a preferable option to the Englishman.
Season Wilson games missed
2020-21 18
2021-22 30
2022-23 9
2023-24 28
2024-25 29
That said, it seems a little harsh to suggest Piroe won't be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and the Dutchman has earned the chance to lead the line in the top flight with his impressive performances ever since arriving from Swansea City.