Leeds United still battling EFL rivals for £15million versatile striker similar to Rodrigo

Leeds United are all set to battle it out with Leicester City and Southampton over the signing of Swansea City man Joel Piroe.

The Whites are in need of a new striker despite Patrick Bamford showing signs of life in front of goal against his former club Nottingham Forest last night, coolly wrong-footing the goalkeeper after pouncing on a loose backpass.

Daniel Farke is preparing a side that is capable of battling for promotion across a 46-game season in the Championship, and will be looking at strikers capable of hitting the ground running.

Joel Piroe to Leeds?

It has been frequently reported this month that one key target of Leeds’ in the striker department is Swansea City star Joel Piroe.

The Dutchman comes into the final year of his contract this season, off the back of 22 goals in 21/22 and 19 goals in 22/23 for the South Wales outfit.

Mail Plus reported recently that it would take a £15million offer for Leeds to sign the 23-year-old from their EFL rivals.

What’s the latest?

Football Insider have now shared that Leeds are set to be contesting this signing alongside their two recently-relegated rivals, Southampton and Leicester City, with Leeds seeing Piroe as the ideal signing due to his versatility:

“Leeds want someone in his mould having already parted with last season’s top scorer Rodrigo, who joined Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan earlier this summer.

“Like the Spaniard, Piroe is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder as well as a traditional frontman.”

Of course, Piroe played for Saints manager Russell Martin at Swansea, so another reunion could be plotted there with Martin having already signed Ryan Manning on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, it is claimed the Foxes might be in the market for Piroe with both Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka attracting Premier League interest.

Should Leeds sign Joel Piroe?

Yes

No

Piroe would be a very good signing for us this summer, knowing we’re getting one of the best strikers in the division.

His ability to score from anywhere inside 25 yards from goal in the last two seasons is surely something that has impressed the Leeds board this summer.

However, my concern is that with interest from two other relatively wealthy clubs in the Championship, we might have to pay over the odds.