Leeds United forced into transfer course correction after target revelation
Leeds United are on the hunt for a new striker
Leeds United are on the hunt for a new striker who can lead the line for Daniel Farke’s side in the Premier League this coming season. Leeds may have scored a league-high 95 goals in the Championship last season, with forward Joel Piroe picking up the golden boot courtesy of his 19 goals, but Piroe is not expected to be the man tasked with being first choice striker.
Neither is Lukas Nmecha, who has already signed at the club this summer to provide further depth and options for Farke. A new striker is being sought, with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz targeted by Leeds following two successful seasons in the Premier League.
Muniz’s average of a goal every 150 minutes and his all-round play for Fulham has made him an obvious contender for Leeds, but while the Whites may want the player, there’s a snag in any potential deal.
There had been a perception Fulham would be willing to listen to offers for Muniz, who has one year remaining on his current deal, but with Fulham holding an option for a further year. That appears to not be the case, with Sky Sports reporting Fulham have no intention of letting the player leave this summer and that he remains an important part of manager Marco Silva’s plans.
The Cottagers have effectively shut the door on Leeds or any potential suitors as they intend to keep hold of the striker and strengthen their squad, allowing Silva different options.
Leeds continue to explore a host of options as they look to overhaul the squad ahead of a return to the Premier League.
Leeds United firm answer on transfer target after £32m bid rejected – Sky Sports
Fulham have sent a stern hands-off warning to potential Rodrigo Muniz suitors after rejecting Leeds United’s £32million bid for their striker.
The Athletic reported earlier this month on a formal offer from Elland Road, with Leeds submitting a bid worth £26m initially plus £6m of add-ons for the Brazilian striker. Fulham are thought to have outright knocked it back and it remains to be seen whether an improved number will be sent back down to Craven Cottage.
Muniz is one of just two senior strikers in Marco Silva’s squad – the other being last season’s top-scorer Raul Jimenez – and as such, Fulham aren’t expected to sanction a sale any time soon. And that sentiment is now reported by Sky Sports, who claim Craven Cottage chiefs have ‘no intention’ of letting the 24-year-old leave.
The report insists Muniz is simply not for sale, with the striker set to remain an important part of Silva’s squad for next season. The physical No.9 has a year left on his current contract but, as is common practice, Fulham have the option to extend it by a further 12 months – they did exactly that with the contracts of Jimenez, Adama Traore and Harry Wilson last month.
Due to that contract situation and Fulham’s apparent financial stability, it appears they are under no obligation to cash in on Muniz and therefore hold all the cards. The Evening Standard reported last week that only an offer deemed too good to turn down will be considered, similar to when Bayern Munich paid £45m for midfielder Joao Palhinha last summer.
Do Leeds United have other striker targets?
With Fulham’s stance on Muniz looking firm, Leeds might soon be tempted to look elsewhere but as of yet, credible links to other strikers have been few and far between. Daniel Farke has already welcomed free agent Lukas Nmecha through the door following the expiration of his Wolfsburg contract, with another frontman expected to follow.
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