Leeds United are pushing to bring in a striker before the transfer window closes, as the cupboard seems empty beyond Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin did brilliantly, scoring 14 Premier League goals last season and helping Leeds stay up. However, he remains the only regular goalscorer in the squad.
Lukas Nmecha is not a prolific goalscorer, and while Leeds are not interested in letting him leave, Daniel Farke is unlikely to bank on him to score more in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.
Leeds need a new striker who can not only partner Calvert-Lewin up front but also replace him in the team if he is injured or the manager wants to give him a break.
Here are three strikers Leeds could legitimately sign before the transfer window closes on Tuesday as they seek to add more goals to their squad.
Read More: Player set to travel to Leeds to complete transfer deal – Sky sources
Igor Matanovic, Freiburg – the wildcard option
Matanovic is a name worth keeping an eye on, as Leeds look to bring in a striker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old striker enjoyed a productive campaign last season, scoring 15 goals across the Bundesliga and Europa League. At 6ft 4in, he would also offer Daniel Farke a very different option to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
He fits the profile of player Leeds have often looked towards under Farke, particularly given his Bundesliga background.
The biggest issue could be the competition for his signature. Several top Premier League clubs are reportedly keeping tabs on Matanovic, meaning Leeds may need to act quickly and sell him on the idea that Elland Road is the right place for the next stage of his development.
Conrad Harder, RB Leipzig – the likeliest option
This is the one we’d be keeping the closest eye on.
Leeds have emerged as serious contenders for the 21-year-old Dane, with reports this week suggesting that talks have already progressed. Leipzig are also believed to be open to a departure, with Harder’s path to regular first-team football currently unclear.
The potential deal structure is particularly interesting. Leipzig reportedly favour a loan with an option to buy, with the proposed terms understood to be around an £860,000 loan fee and a £13m purchase option.
Harder is still a work in progress, but he ticks plenty of boxes for what Leeds need. He is young, mobile, physically strong and capable of leading the line, while his experience with Sporting Lisbon and Leipzig is impressive for a player who is still only 21.
Zian Flemming, Burnley – the proven option
Probably the most realistic option for Leeds late in the window. Flemming scored 11 Premier League goals in 21 starts for Burnley last season despite their relegation, and Leeds have been linked with the versatile forward throughout the summer.
He can operate as a striker or No.10, while his ability to play alongside Calvert-Lewin could make him an appealing option.
The latest development is Lille’s interest. The French club have already seen a bid rejected, but Leeds and Brentford are still understood to be among the clubs keeping tabs on him.
