Leeds now in talks over deal for “elite” £30m striker with 21 G/A last season….
Leeds United have now opened talks over a deal for an “elite” striker, who is also being targeted by West Ham United, according to a report.
Leeds eyeing new striker amid Bamford and Joseph uncertainty
Leeds have already made one addition at centre-forward this summer, securing the signing of former Wolfsburg man Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, but it is looking increasingly likely they will have to bring in at least one more striker.
That is because there are major doubts over the futures of Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph, with the former admitting he would be open to a move to the MLS, saying: “I think it’s something that, obviously over time I’ve spoke to Michaela [his wife] about it, in terms of playing abroad, and America being one of the options.
“It was something that when I was younger I always wanted to do at some point in my career, to kind of experience it, experience a new country, the living the lifestyle there and also trying myself in a new league.”
bamford-leeds-career-stats
Joseph, on the other hand, has a more pressing desire to leave, having decided not to take part in the Whites’ pre-season training camp, with Daniel Farke adding: “He came to me, and to us, and said he wants a new challenge and would like to have a move.”
With two strikers potentially heading for the exit door, Leeds have now set their sights on a replacement, and a report from Italy (via Leeds United News) has revealed they have opened talks over a deal for AS Roma’s Artem Dovbyk.
Despite being a regular source of goals for Roma last season, the Italian club are not overly convinced by the 28-year-old, and they could sanction a departure this summer, should a potential suitor be willing to fork out £30m.
West Ham are also in the race for Dovbyk, having submitted an enquiry alongside the Whites, so Farke’s side may have to fend off competition from their Premier League rivals.
“Elite” Dovbyk could be upgrade on Bamford and Joseph
In many ways, it is a surprise that Roma don’t have too many qualms about selling the centre-forward this summer, given that he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Italy, amassing a combined 21 goals and assists in all competitions.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Serie A
32
12
3
Europa League
11
2
1
Italian Cup
2
3
0
Bamford, on the other hand, has been unable to put his injury problems in the rear-view mirror, while Joseph found the back of the net just three times in the Championship last season, indicating the Ukrainian striker could be a real upgrade.
Having also been lauded as a “fantastic finisher” and “elite target man” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are clear signs that Dovbyk could be capable of firing Leeds to safety next season, so they should undoubtedly pursue a deal if Roma are willing to sell.
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