Leeds United submitted a near club-record bid to sign a "revelation", and the 49ers quickly received a response, according to a report.
Leeds stepping up striker pursuit
The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises are still yet to bring in a proven Premier League striker ahead of the new campaign, and given that failing to do so could have a major impact on their survival chances next season, they have now stepped up their pursuit.
Talks have recently been held over a deal for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has 89 career goals to his name, and the Whites now appear to be closing in on the centre-forward, subject to a medical, as revealed by David Ornstein on X.
"Leeds United reach agreement in principle to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin. 28yo striker free agent after Everton contract expired. England international scheduled at Thorp Arch imminently to do medical before completing LUFC transfer."
However, Calvert-Lewin was not the top target for Daniel Farke's side, with journalist Ben Jacobs stating Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz was at the top of their shortlist.
The ex-Everton man was regarded as a back-up option for Rodrigo Muniz, and a recent update on Leeds' pursuit of the Fulham striker suggests they made a proposal prior to sealing an agreement for Calvert-Lewin, following on from an intial £32m bid back in June.
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Whites submitted a new offer of around €40m (£34.5m) for Muniz, which was subsequently knocked back.
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz scores their second goal
Leeds' record signing is Georginio Rutter, who cost £35.5m, and they were prepared to spend a similar amount on the Fulham centre-forward, but it now appears as though he could be on his way to Atalanta.
Leeds at risk of missing out on Muniz
Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that Atalanta are making progress in their pursuit of the Brazilian, who is keen on joining the Serie A side.
"Atalanta are confident to get Rodrigo Muniz deal done with Fulham as talks are advancing. Muniz, keen on move to Serie A with negotiations underway."
As such, Leeds now look set to miss out on a deal, which is likely to be disappointing, as there are plenty of signs the Fulham star could've been a better signing than Calvert-Lewin.
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz celebrates after the match
Not only is the former Flamengo man much younger than the Englishman at 24-years-old, but he has also outscored him over the past two Premier League campaigns, scoring a combined 17 goals, while Calvert-Lewin has just ten to his name.
Once described as a "revelation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Muniz has the ability to fire Leeds to safety, so it is a gamble to have pursued the ex-Everton man instead, given his patchy injury record.