Leeds United have reportedly been offered the chance to bring a forward back to the Premier League in what would be a sensational return.
With a healthy gap established between themselves and the bottom three, Daniel Farke can be content with the position his newly-promoted side are in despite Saturday's defeat to Arsenal.
Martin Zubimendi and Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s own goal put Arsenal 2-0 up at the interval before second-half efforts from Viktor Gyokeres and substitute Gabriel Jesus got Mikel Arteta’s side back on track for the title.
The Gunners made it eight straight wins against Leeds and remain unbeaten against them in 16 matches, stretching back to 2003, while they have not lost at Elland Road since November 2000.
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He has been brilliant over in Germany
Leeds continue to be linked with further incomings ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on the 2nd February. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen remains of interest to Leeds, with the forward's proposed move to Crystal Palace now seemingly in jeopardy. On the outgoings front, Whites winger Jack Harrison has joined Fiorentina until the end of the season.
jorgen-strand-larsen-wolves
Now, the West Yorkshire side have been touted to make what would be an incredible move to bring one particular forward back to the English top flight.
Leeds linked with £71 million striker
As is evident with their pursuit of Strand Larsen, Leeds are clearly keen on reinforcing their striking depth. Noah Okafor, whilst capable of playing there, is a natural winger. Lukas Nmecha has struggled with patches of poor fitness, whilst Joel Piroe's minutes have been reduced to such an extent that last season's top scorer in the Championship has been linked with a departure.
In searching for a new number nine, TEAMtalk have now reported that Leeds have been offered the chance to bring Jhon Duran back to England, with those close to the striker in discussions with several clubs, including the Whites.
The Colombian signed for Aston Villa in 2023, and under Unai Emery's guidance blossomed into one of Europe's most-promising forwards. Scout Ben Mattinson called Duran a "ready-made killer finisher", while the Villa boss also heaped praise on the big number nine.
"He scored a great goal and he works, we are trying to get the team strong with a tactical approach. His potential is massive. Tactically he is improving and today he played a fantastic 45 minutes."
Al Nassr's Jhon Duran reacts
Duran was the subject of a big-money transfer in January 2025, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for up to £71 million. The Colombian, who has 17 caps for his country, was loaned out to Fenerbahce just months later, having failed to settle at his new side. In Türkiye, however, Duran has struggled for consistent minutes, sparking further rumours about his immediate future.
Whilst Duran would vastly improve Leeds' forward line, they are not the only Premier League club with an interest in the forward. Duran's situation is reportedly one that is expected to accelerate quickly, but if Al-Nassr hope to recoup some or all of the fee they recently spent on Duran, it is hard to imagine that Leeds would be able to produce such a sum of money. Whether the Whites ultimately sign a new striker in preparation for the remainder of the season remains to be seen.