The search for a new striker has been long and fraught, and remains ongoing for Adam Underwood and his Leeds United transfer team. Now, they could suffer even further frustration.
Initial links to Everton striker Beto have fallen by the wayside, while Leeds saw a £32m bid rejected for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz. Interest in Muniz remains but Newcastle have opened talks to sign the Brazilian.
It is unclear where Leeds are supposedly going to turn next. Plenty of other strikers have been linked, but nothing as concrete as Beto or Muniz. Leeds had always planned to sign a starting striker this summer.
But with less than a fortnight to go until the opener against Everton, Leeds are struggling to find a new no.9 to lead the line. Italian media are currently touting a Leeds move for Roma striker Artem Dovbyk.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty ImagesLeeds target could end up facing Daniel Farke’s side on Saturday
Leeds play their final pre-season game on Saturday in Dublin, taking on Italian giants AC Milan. A huge game that will see plenty of Leeds fans in attendance, but it could also see Dovbyk take to the pitch.
Leeds have held talks for the Roma striker, with his future at Roma in doubt. Despite being La Liga’s top goalscorer in 23-24, and scoring 17 goals for Roma last season, Gian Piero Gasperini is looking for better.
Sporting director Frederic Massara is open to offers, with a fee of £30m required to sign Dovbyk. Now, TMW claim Milan are considering a rival Serie A move for Dovbyk, having lost Tammy Abraham.
Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty ImagesLeeds and Roma have built a connection in recent seasons
One thing that might help Leeds do a deal is the fact that the two clubs have done business in recent seasons. It is not as if the two sides are making acquaintances at the negotiating table this summer.
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Diego Llorente joined Roma on loan in January 2023, shortly after signing a long-term contract with the club. That summer, Llorente extended his loan by 12 months and Rasmus Kristensen joined him.
Whether that is enough to help secure a deal for Dovbyk remains to be seen. Sources close to those at Leeds are yet to determine whether the interest from The Whites is true, or rumours from Italy.