Leeds United have been offered the chance to sign Al Nassr striker Jhon Duran on loan until the end of the season, according to TEAMtalk.
The Whites have been in the market to bolster their attacking options this month, with a bid in excess of £30m made to sign Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen earlier in the transfer window. But the deal has stalled as Wolves hold out for a bigger fee, while Crystal Palace have moved ahead of them in the race for his signature.
That has left Leeds looking for alternative options ahead of Monday night's deadline, and it has now emerged that one of the top young forwards in Europe has been offered to them as a late deal.
Leeds Hold Talks for Jhon Duran
Fenerbahce striker Jhon DuranREUTERS/Murad Sezer
Duran, who has been described as 'phenomenal', was considered to be one of the top young strikers in Europe 12 months ago following a stunning start to the season with Aston Villa, before he made the move to Al Nassr in a deal worth £71m.
He struggled in the Middle East, though, and joined Fenerbahce in the summer on an initial loan until the end of the season, where he has scored five times in 21 appearances for the Turkish club.
They are now looking to cut that deal short, and intermediaries have held talks with a number of clubs to try and find the 22-year-old a new club before the transfer window slams shut on Monday. That includes Leeds, who look set to miss out on Strand Larsen.
Duran would represent a vastly superior option to the Norwegian, who has managed just one goal in the Premier League this season, and would also be a less risky deal, considering it's just a loan deal.
However, there is a lot of competition to sign the Colombian, with Ligue 1 side Lille believed to be the frontrunners for his signature as things stand.
Leeds Must Make Duran Deal Happen if Possible
Jhon Duran - Chicago Fire
Leeds are in the market for a striker who can compete or play alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the second half of the season and provide a real goal threat.
Duran has a proven record in the league, and while he may have some off-field issues which have contributed to him playing for three clubs in the last 12 months, sometimes the talent is worth it, if nurtured correctly.
Farke has the man-management ability to get the best out of Duran, and that could see him turn in the types of performances that keep Leeds in the Premier League.
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