Leeds United now have little choice but to sign another striker this summer after allowing Joel Piroe to join West Ham, with Daniel Farke needing more options alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The former Everton forward enjoyed an excellent first season at Elland Road, scoring 14 league goals and playing a major role in Leeds securing their Premier League status. But whenever Calvert-Lewin struggled in front of goal, the Whites often lacked another reliable forward who could step up and take some of the pressure off him.
Piroe’s departure has only highlighted that problem, making another centre-forward one of Leeds’ biggest priorities before the window closes. Farke needs someone capable of genuinely competing with Calvert-Lewin for a starting place, while also giving him the option of playing the two together when required.
The new arrival also needs to be capable of leading the line on his own when Calvert-Lewin is unavailable. With Piroe gone, Leeds cannot afford to head into the new Premier League season without adding another quality option up front.
Read More: Leeds United must avoid £40m panic buy at all costs after Joel Piroe exit
Champions League join Leeds in the race for striker
Zian Flemming scored 11 Premier League goals in 21 starts for a Burnley side that was relegated from the top flight last season.
His performances stood out despite Burnley’s struggles, and he has now emerged as one of the strikers Leeds United are seriously considering before the transfer window closes.
Everton are also interested in the 28-year-old, and while Burnley would like to keep him, Flemming is widely expected to leave before the September 1 deadline.
He was left out of Burnley’s squad for Sunday’s game against West Brom, but manager Nicky Hayen has played down any suggestion that the decision was linked to the transfer speculation.
Hayen explained that Flemming picked up a calf injury during Burnley’s draw with West Ham the previous weekend, when the striker scored twice.
Flemming is still expected to leave Burnley before the end of the window, and according to Sky Sports News, Lille are also interested in the striker.
The French club are in the Champions League and are considering securing a deal to take the Dutchman away from the Clarets this summer.
Flemming would be open to such a move, as he wants to join a bigger club if he leaves Burnley before the end of the transfer window.
Read More – Exclusive: Leeds United accelerate move for 28-year-old striker as next signing
Zian Flemming would be a smart piece of business for Leeds
The 28-year-old Dutchman ended last season as Burnley’s top Premier League scorer, netting 11 goals in just 29 appearances.
Flemming managed to stand out despite playing in a struggling side, and his performances have naturally attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored more league goals than Flemming among Leeds’ current squad last season, while Noah Okafor finished three goals behind the Burnley forward.
With Premier League experience already under his belt and a proven track record in front of goal, Flemming looks like exactly the sort of opportunity Leeds should be looking to take advantage of before the transfer window closes.
So Leeds dithered and a team with European football rock up and potentially push us aside. I can only presume he isn’t first choice but looks like we might lose out on him. I can only speculative that Leeds want a different type of CF to DCL but Flemming is a hybrid 9/10. He would be something different.