Leeds United are almost certain to bring in a striker to improve their forward line in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored 14 Premier League goals last season and was the talisman up front for Leeds. However, the cupboard was bare beyond him.
Lukas Nmecha scored just six league goals in 31 appearances, and Joel Piroe never really did anything as a bit-part player in the squad at Elland Road, ending the season without finding the back of the net in the Premier League.
Leeds are on the lookout for a new striker ahead of next season, and Lois Openda has emerged as one player who has been high on their agenda this summer.
Lois Openda offered to Everton
After a stellar season at RB Leipzig, Juventus signed him last season. However, the forward has struggled in Italy, and the Serie A giants want to offload him.
Leeds are prepared to make a financially lucrative offer to sign him from Juventus on a loan with an option to buy and are ready to offer him big wages.
However, no decision has been made, and according to Football Insider, another Premier League club are now in the fray to sign the striker this summer.
It has been claimed that Everton have been offered a chance to sign the striker from Juventus as part of his agents’ attempts to find a new club.
The Toffees are also expected to be in the market for a striker, and are now considering signing Openda on a loan with an option to buy this summer.
Open was open to joining Leeds this summer, but now has more options on the table, so he is willing to wait before finalising a decision.
Leeds have several striker targets and will likely consider other players if Openda is not willing to move to Elland Road or keeps them guessing.
The Whites should stay away from the Juventus man
Based on everything that’s come to light, this looks like a deal Leeds United would be wise to avoid. The Italian club are keen to recover a large portion of the £35m they paid to sign Openda, which immediately raises questions about value for money.
His performances this season have done little to justify that price tag. Openda has struggled badly, scoring just two goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, and the fact that his club are actively looking to move him on is hardly an encouraging sign for potential buyers.
Juventus are also unlikely to make negotiations easy. Their preference is a permanent sale, although they may consider a loan if it includes an obligation or at least an option to buy.
Then there is the issue of wages. Openda’s salary demands are understood to be substantial, creating another hurdle for interested clubs.
For Leeds, that is a major concern. The club have been careful with their finances since returning to the Premier League, and committing significant transfer and wage resources to a player who has struggled so badly this season would represent a considerable gamble.
