Leeds United remain active in the January window with only days left to run, as they look to bolster their squad before the deadline.
Operating under strict financial limitations, the Whites have already strengthened their attacking options by bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton after he turned down an identical move last summer.
Leeds are also exploring striker options and are believed to be advancing talks for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, a deal that could yet break the club’s transfer record.
Crystal Palace worked out a verbal agreement with Palace for the Norwegian’s transfer on Thursday. However, the forward may not be joining the South London club in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds United boosted as Jorgen Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace is likely off
Leeds have been quietly confident about signing the striker in the ongoing transfer window despite Wolves rejecting their initial offer for him.
However, the transfer saga took a turn on Thursday when Crystal Palace pushed ahead and worked out a verbal agreement with Wolves for a deal worth £50m.
The forward, who is keen on a move to Elland Road, seemed to be on his way to Selhurst Park, but there was another twist. Palace also worked out a deal to sign Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on loan with an option to buy.
It emerged that Wolves are reconsidering whether to sign Strand Larsen after finalising a deal for Guessand.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Strand Larsen to Palace is likely off as things stand. The Eagles are now unlikely to sign the Norwegian.
This brings Leeds back into the mix, who remain interested in securing a deal to take the forward to Elland Road during the ongoing winter window.
However, the Whites are insistent they will not pay more than £40m for the striker, as per Wolves’ initial asking price.
Leeds cannot miss out now
The Whites never played down their interest in Strand Larsen, and it appeared they were closing in on an embarrassment after Palace agreed on a deal to sign him on Thursday.
However, with Palace now unlikely to sign the forward, Leeds must jump at this opportunity and push Wolves ot reach an agreement for the striker’s sale soon.
| Appearances | 35 |
|---|---|
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 4 |
With Lukas Nmecha suffering another injury and Joel Piroe not trusted enough, Leeds are down to bare bones when it comes to their striker options.
They must not allow another club to come in and take advantage of the situation. Leeds should not dither and try to finalise a deal for Strand Larsen as soon as possible.
Football madness as business takes precident over sport. At 40million Larsen is a project, so what are Leeds considering him to be worth project completed? This surely in the context of Leeds surviving not just this season but the next too, with even more limited spending power? I am a bit confused considering Leeds are not guaranteed survival and need a few players to support the number 9 and left back position. Would it not be wiser to bring in a cheaper but capable option, for these positions and strengthen survival chances now? I appreciate Football is primarily big business now and highly competetive but Leeds will have highly paid scouts and recruitment staff that can identify available players with the right fit that can be brought in. So why does it always seem to be on one particular target with a do or die attitude and no alternative if… Read more »
The 49ers are using smoke and mirrors to fool fans. They make disingenuous offers, way below the fee, or go after players they have no chance of getting. When they fail, they claim that the player is above their valuation. They could have paid £40 million for SL before Palace sold Mateta, but waited until they did {or though they had], which got them out of jail. When Palace shelved the deal, they were in a pickle. It makes no sense as to why you would allow relegation rivals to strengthen and gain points while you do nothing. This tactic of leaving the signings so late is the 49ers M.O. Less time for any fan protests. They used us to buy Rangers by selling Raphinha, Gray and Rutter. We are being used.