Leeds United enter running for 19-goal star with club’s “crunch talks” imminent – Report

Leeds United have initiated contact with Swansea City striker Joel Piroe this month as they aim to strengthen up front, but Michael Duff’s side are keen to discuss the forward’s future.

Leeds aren’t short of positions that are going to need reinforcing this summer, given the number of players that have already left the club.

A new striker is sure to be high on the agenda for Leeds after their struggles at the top of the pitch last season, especially now Rodrigo is gone.

Joel Piroe to Leeds?

WalesOnline are now reporting that Leeds have now officially registered their interest in signing Swansea City striker Joel Piroe.

The Dutchman is likely to be hot property in the Championship this summer, having scored 19 league goals last season, and 22 in the season before that.

A price tag of £20million is the benchmark from last summer, but “crunch talks” between his club and his representatives are set to take place in the next 24 hours to discuss his future.

Piroe has one year left on his contract, so it seems as though his valuation could drop from that amount.

Who else wants to sign him?

Leeds’ promotion rivals Leicester City are also keen on signing him, with Serie A outfit Atalanta too named in the report as possible suitors.

Southampton, managed by ex-Swansea man Russell Martin, have enquired about a transfer but are said to be needing to sell key players to afford a move.

On Piroe’s valuation, the report says:

“After seeing Viktor Gyokeres leave Coventry City for a large fee earlier in the window, there’s a feeling that the Swans could perhaps be tempted to revisit their previous valuation, in a move that would subsequently bankroll Michael Duff’s rebuild.”

Where will Leeds finish in 23/24?

Piroe would be a brilliant way for Leeds to strengthen up front, just because you’re going to get plenty of goals from him.

There are justified question marks about how he operates as an all-round number nine with hold-up play and linking up with attackers, but he’s done well at Swansea.

He could easily take to Farke’s system well and bring us a real focal point in the final third, someone who takes chances with ruthless accuracy.

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