Leeds United are in the market for Premier League firepower and could now be set to up their pursuit of a talented centre-forward, according to a report.
Leeds turn attention to Premier League opener after AC Milan draw
In front of a raucous crowd in Dublin, Leeds United treated their Irish contingent of supporters to an exciting performance in a 1-1 draw against Serie A giants AC Milan, which will have provided plenty of optimism that the Whites can more than compete in the top-flight this term.
Speaking after the match, Daniel Farke outlined his feelings that Leeds deserved to beat AC Milan, even if he also admitted his side need new arrivals to stand a better chance of avoiding the drop.
Farke-Leeds-Championship-Oxford
He stated: "Against one of Europe's giants, the feeling was we should have won this game because there were so many periods where we dominated."
Later, he added on the state of play in his forward line: "In comparison to our Championship squad, we have not improved the offence. To have a squad capable to survive in the top flight, we need to strengthen. In offence, we need some top class signings, not just numbers."
Following up on his priority, Farke's Leeds have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Sassuolo striker Andrea Pinamonti. However, he is said to have rejected the chance to move to Elland Road, leading to a scenario where legwork will need to be put in to convince him otherwise.
The art of persuasion will be needed amid stiff competition on the market. Nevertheless, the Whites could be set to use their powers wisely if recent developments yield a desirable outcome.
Leeds eyeing Artem Dovbyk as Roma seek replacements
According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, two Leeds officials watched Roma striker Artem Dovbyk in action for Roma against Everton last weekend as his side ran out 1-0 winners at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Gian Piero Gasperini doesn't view him as an adequate fit for his system, and the Serie A giants would be willing to sell him providing the Whites, or any other interested party, put up a fee exceeding £26 million.
Five similar players to Artem Dovbyk - FBRef
Romelu Lukaku
Rasmus Hojlund
Che Adams
Dusan Vlahovic
Frank Magri
Despite delivering 17 goals and four assists in 45 appearances and earning a Ballon d'Or nomination last year, Dovbyk is set to leave Roma and his current employers could target previous Leeds summer target Nikola Krstovic as a replacement. Intriguingly, the Yorkshire outfit had got as far as reaching an agreement in principle to sign the Montenegro star before he rejected the chance to move to Elland Road.
Marking a potential full-circle moment, Leeds could now kickstart a chain of events that leads Dovbyk to their door while one of their former priorities heads elsewhere.