Another day, another source of frustration for Leeds United in their bid to sign a new striker before the Premier League gets underway on August 18, with Atalanta closing in on an Elland Road target.
Leeds have been desperate to add a striker with Patrick Bamford told to go, and Mateo Joseph choosing to leave. Harry Gray remains completely inexperienced and Joe Gelhardt is expected to leave this week.
It leaves Leeds with Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha. While both have impressed during pre-season, there are doubts over whether either of them could be the man that fires Leeds towards Premier League safety.
Piroe has never played in the Premier League, and there were times last season where he struggled to find the back of the net. Nmecha has, but only briefly. Leeds are planning to sign a new big-name striker.
Nikola Krstovic in action for Lecce amid rumours he could join Leeds.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
More frustration as Nikola Krstovic has picked his next club
Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic is one of a number of strikers touted with a move to Elland Road this summer. Over in Italy, the Montenegro striker has been strongly linked, having had a hand in 16 Serie A goals.
But in England, sources rule out a move to Leeds for Krstovic with the Lecce man preferring to remain in Italy. That seems to remain the case even if the three-week transfer window klaxon is fast approaching.
Some reports say Leeds tabled a £21.7m bid for Krstovic, but Lecce want £34.7m. Now, Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri has an update and he confirms that Krstovic wants to join Atalanta with talks underway.
“Atalanta has a concrete interest for Nikola Krstović. Talks have started between Lecce & Atalanta in order to discuss potential move. The player is keen and personal terms won’t be an issue. Wait&See,” he said.
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Which other strikers do Leeds United want to sign?
The obvious one is Fulham’s Brazilian powerhouse Rodrigo Muniz. Leeds have had a £32m bid rejected this summer for Muniz, but Beren Cross reports recently that Muniz remains high in Leeds’ transfer plans.
Then, Leeds have opened talks to sign Roma’s Artem Dovbyk with the Ukraine ace now expected to leave Roma after just one season. He won the 2023-24 La Liga golden boot with a huge 24 goals for Girona.
Just this morning, Italian reports said Leeds were ‘close’ to the signing of Inter Milan’s Mehdi Taremi. It is claimed that Leeds have been overwhelming in their pursuit, ahead of Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
Plenty of options, but in terms of Leeds actually being set to make an announcement regarding a new addition before the home clash against Everton, nothing seems ready. It might be either Piroe or Nmecha.