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Transfer latest: Leeds joined by three other clubs in pursuit of striker Boulaye Dia

Leeds United now face three-way transfer competition from other Premier League clubs for the services of Senegal and Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia amid speculation surrounding the forward’s future at the Serie A outfit.

It’s no secret that a new striker sits firmly amongst Whites boss Jesse Marsch’s key priorities for the upcoming January transfer window despite Rodrigo’s impressive current form. At the very least, a forward needs to be brought in to provide cover for Patrick Bamford, who hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since December 2021 due to repeated injuries.

The Qatar World Cup provides a perfect opportunity for clubs to scout potential January recruits, with Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta undoubtedly taking full advantage.

Dia has featured in the starting XI for his national side in both their games so far this tournament, and scored the opening goal in their most recent 1-3 win over hosts Qatar last Friday [25 November].

Various Italian media outlets have previously claimed Dia has ambitions of playing Premier League football in the near future, with a recent report from GiveMeSport linking him to Leeds.

Tutto Salernitana now report that the Whites find themselves joined by Everton, Leicester City and West Ham in expressing an interest in the Senegalese ahead of January.

Control over the forward’s future sits firmly with Serie A side Salernitana, however, as they are reportedly prepared to make Dia’s existing loan deal from Villarreal permanent for a fee of approximately £10.3m.

It is currently unknown whether Leeds are the front-runners in the race to sign Dia, or whether he could be tempted away from Salernitana for a higher transfer fee.

Potentially shrewd signing

With six goals in 14 appearances for Salernitana so far this season, Dia is clearly well aware of where the goal is.

Whilst it would be harsh on current Whites forward Rodrigo to drop him given his current form, Dia would provide much-needed competition for the number nine spot at the Yorkshire club, and also an option off the bench which would relieve the pressure on the shoulders of young players such as Joe Gelhardt or Wilfried Gnonto.

Given Bamford’s current injury situation, something which has troubled him throughout all of this season and a sizeable chunk of the last, it is hard to see him regularly featuring for Leeds in the near-future.

Considering his current valuation sits around the £10m mark, Dia could prove to be a very economically sensible signing if the competition for his signature can be overcome.

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