Leeds United’s priority option up front has always been Rodrigo Muniz this summer. If Leeds could sign him tomorrow, it is easy to imagine Adam Underwood would snap him up.
But Leeds saw a £32m bid rejected for Muniz at the beginning of the summer window. Fulham were initially said to want £50m, before reports said Newcastle were in talks and confident of a £40m deal.
Since Newcastle came to the fray as they look to replace Alexander Isak, Leeds’ hopes of a deal for Muniz faded. Eddie Howe’s men are in the Champions League, and Leeds’ hopes took a further dent this week.
That is because Atalanta have shown interest, with Ademola Lookman handing in a transfer request and looking to push through a move to Inter Milan. But, on Wednesday morning, Leeds have some hope.
Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz at Anfield
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Atalanta stance on Rodrigo Muniz hands Leeds some hope
As soon as Atalanta entered the running and have held talks for Muniz, the Serie A club could be out of the running. Rumours emerged earlier this week that Muniz is keen on a move to the Italian side.
However, a report from TMW on Wednesday morning says that Atalanta are unwilling to meet Fulham’s asking price. The report says Muniz is worth £43.5m, and Atalanta do not want to spend that amount.
While the Serie A side will look to try and reduce Fulham’s asking price to something more affordable, the interest in Muniz will surely convince Fulham to stick to their price tag and hope others offer a bigger fee.
Rodrigo Muniz in action for Fulham against Bournemouth.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Which other strikers are on Leeds United’s radar…
Over in Italy, Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic continues to be linked with a move to Elland Road. Of Lecce’s 27 Serie A goals last season, Krstovic had a hand in 16. But Roma also want to bring in the Montenegro ace.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Roma could sign Krstovic, because they want to sell Artem Dovbyk. Leeds are said to have held initial talks for the Ukraine ace, who was La Liga’s top scorer in 2023-24 with Girona, netting an impressive 24 times.
But other clubs want Dovbyk like Saturday’s opponents Milan. This week, reports say Kasper Dolberg is expected to leave Anderlecht and Leeds were linked in June. Perhaps, there is a deal to be done there.