According to The Athletic, Leeds United are closing in on a move for Swansea City’s Joel Piroe. This comes amongst interest from the likes of Southampton and Leicester, with Phil Hay noting in the article that manager Daniel Farke has a number nine as a ‘major priority’.
Leeds United Closing in on Joel Piroe Signing Despite Southampton and Leicester City Interest
Why Leeds United Need Joel Piroe
One of the weakest areas of the pitch for Farke’s side is at centre-forward. After suffering from injury after injury Patrick Bamford isn’t someone that the club can rely on as a constant presence in the Championship, and Georginio Rutter plays far more like a number ten than an out-and-out striker. Signing Piroe looks more and more essential as the club desperately look for options at the top of the pitch.
The Swansea player in particular is a target for his lethal finishing. With 41 goals in his two seasons of EFL football so far, the striker brings a much-needed cutting edge that Elland Road has been missing since the departure of Rodrigo to Qatar.
Read More: Leeds United Player Pushes for Move
What a Deal Might Look Like
The Whites’ pursuit of the forward is made much easier by some of the events surrounding Piroe’s position at Swansea City. He has reportedly denied a contract extension, and with just a year left on his contract, his Welsh club are likely to look to sell.
Elland Road’s hierarchy value the forward in the region of £8-10 million, and recognise that he could have a big impact on the season ahead. However, there is something of a risk that this could turn into a bidding war, with the other relegated clubs also keeping an eye on the Dutch forward in the event that Leeds slip up in their pursuit.
Main image credit courtesy of author Joe Blackburn and licensed to Last Word on Football.
