Leeds United prioritised signing a starting number 9 before the start of the transfer window as they were aware goals would be needed to avoid a short stay in the Premier League. Lukas Nmecha was snapped up on a free transfer early in the summer, but he is being seen as a squad option.
The Whites have done well to not blow away their budget this summer, and have spent a shade over £75m to bring in seven new players. The £17m arrival of Anton Stach from Hoffenheim is still the most expensive transfer of the club in the ongoing window. However, forwards are expected to cost more.
Leeds are keen to sign a winger, and their failed pursuit of Igor Paixao showed that Daniel Farke wants more options in the wide areas next season. However, signing a striker is still their biggest priority.
The Yorkshire giants have been looking at several strikers, and the emphasis has been on bringing in someone proven in the Premier League. However, the club are not shying away from looking at options on the continent.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United strikers?
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Leeds United could change their top target soon
Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is the number one target at Leeds this summer, and the club have been trying to chip away at Fulham’s resistance in selling him.
Despite not being a certainty in the team last season, the forward scored eight Premier League goals last season, and Leeds believe he has it in him to lead the line at Elland Road.
Talks between Leeds and his representatives have been positive, and Leeds have reasons to believe that the forward wants the move this summer.
However, Leeds are yet to make any headway in negotiations with Fulham, who have slapped a prohibitive £50m price tag on the Brazilian striker.
The Whites feel Fulham will be more reasonable if they sign a striker this summer, and have been willing to be patient to get their top target.
However, Fulham are yet to sign a forward, and with less than three weeks left for the season to start, Leeds have reasons to grow nervous about still not signing a starting number 9.
Artem Dovbyk’s link with Leeds makes more sense
Leeds sporting director Adam Underwood has had conversations with Fulham for Muniz, but it seems there is still no breakthrough in the negotiations.
The Whites have been linked with an interest in Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, and it makes sense, given that the club are running out of time to sign a striker before the start of the season.
The Serie A giants want to sell him to fund a move for Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, and are prepared to let the forward go for around £30m.
There is every chance Leeds could abandon the pursuit of Muniz soon and turn their attention towards getting their hands on Dovbyk this summer.
Don’t know him but those stats don’t make me believe he would be a good signing.