Leeds United’s search for a striker has entered the final fortnight before the Premier League opener against Everton, with Adam Underwood’s bid to strengthen the front line now in a race against time.
Daniel Farke will have wanted all of the transfer work done before the opener against Everton at Elland Road on August 18, under the lights. But that now looks unlikely, with four new signings still required.
Beren Cross expects four more deals. A starting striker, a replacement for Manor Solomon after missing out on Igor Paixao, cover at full-back and even a no.10 to provide competition for Brenden Aaronson.
But with Leeds seemingly no closer to any signings, plenty of work would have to be done and quickly, before the club’s opener comes around. However, Leeds are in talks to sign Roma striker Artem Dovbyk.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty ImagesVillarreal look to throw a spanner in Leeds United’s plans
Dovbyk is expected to leave Roma after just one season. The Ukraine star was La Liga’s top scorer in 2023-24 with Girona, and it earned him a £35m move to Roma. Last season, he netted 17 goals for Roma.
But that is clearly not enough to win him a stay of execution. Roma have already strengthened their front line with the loan signing of Evan Ferguson, and are expected to sign another, such as Nikola Krstovic.
Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara is open to offers, with the latest report from TMW saying a £30m fee will get the job done. Leeds are named in the race, but so are Saturday’s opponents, Villarreal.
Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty ImagesWhy Villarreal may prove more tempting to Dovbyk, over Leeds
West Ham are also in the running, though TMW say Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas have pulled out of a possible move having already signed England international Tammy Abraham. Girona also want him back.
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But of the clubs interested, only one side boasts European football. That is Villarreal, who qualified for the Champions League after a fifth-placed, 70-point season in La Liga last term. Dovbyk likes it in Spain.
His last season was obviously profitable and with his ability questioned as Roma look to offload him, a return to Spain will give him a base of confidence. Leeds then, may be derailed by Saturday’s opponents.