Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion reported as admirers of Feyenoord star Ayase Ueda
Leeds United are tracking Feyenoord marksman Ayase Ueda ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report.
The 27-year-old forward is enjoying a goal-laden campaign at Feyenoord, for whom he has registered 26 goals this season.
25 of those goals have come in the Eredivisie, with the tally made more impressive by the fact he has made just 29 appearances.
Ayase Ueda featured for Japan against England last month.placeholder image
Ayase Ueda featured for Japan against England last month. | Bradley Collyer/PA Wire
Leeds United named among admirers of free-scoring Feyenoord star
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have sent representatives to watch the free-scoring Japan international in action. A move to Elland Road would unite Ueda with his international teammate, midfielder Ao Tanaka.
However, the Whites could face a transfer tussle as Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion are said to have done the same. Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are thought to have conducted checks on him.
Spurs could see their hopes of landing Ueda dented by relegation, with the club currently sat 18th in the Premier League table.
Ayase Ueda mooted as potential option for Leeds United
Back in December, European football expert Andy Brassell mooted Ueda as a potential transfer option for Leeds. During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “I wonder if a bottom-half Premier League team has a dart for him next summer or maybe even as early as January, depending on where they’re at.
“He’s kind of got Leeds written all over him. There’s a lot to like about them, but where are the guys putting it in the back of the net?
“There are big question marks over the sustainability over the period of a season for both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. If you’re Feyenoord and a Premier League club come in with a proper offer, I think it’s quite hard to say no. However ambitious [Feyenoord boss] Robin van Persie is, I think a big offer tempts you.”
Ayase Ueda has scored 26 goals in all competitions for Feyenoord this season.placeholder image
Ayase Ueda has scored 26 goals in all competitions for Feyenoord this season. | PIETER STAM DE JONGE/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds United’s forward department
Ueda would arguably add a different dimension to the Leeds attack and his relentless nature could make him an ideal fit for Daniel Farke’s system. He is under contract at Feyenoord until 2028 and if his form continues, his price tag will only increase.
Leeds have been linked with a raft of attacking players of late, suggesting the top end of the pitch could be an area of focus for recruitment chiefs.
On the possible outgoings front, there have been doubts over the futures of Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe. The former has been used mostly as an impact substitute and the latter has barely featured.