Leeds United are one of a group of Premier League clubs considering a move for Norwich striker Teemu Pukki. The big Leeds United transfer news claims it’s unlikely Pukki moves before the window shuts, but a January transfer is possible.
Wolves, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, and Sheffield United have all made contact about signing Pukki according to the PA news agency.
With Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo Moreno competing for minutes up front, a new striker doesn’t appear to be an immediate concern for Marcelo Bielsa. He would be a good option in the squad, however, and give Bielsa greater flexibility in the final third.
Mirror Report Striker Interest
According to the Mirror’s transfer blog late on Saturday night, Leeds are making a move for FC Utrecht striker Gyrano Kerk.
It was reported that ‘high-level’ talks have taken place between the Whites and the Eredivisie club. Bielsa apparently watched Kerk in person before lockdown and was clearly impressed by what he saw.
Kerk drew praise from former Utrecht manager and current Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag said, “Gyrano’s style really suits English football. He has pace, he is strong and he is a dangerous player once he gets a bit of space in the counter-attack.”
Kerk isn’t the big name some Leeds fans might have been hoping for, but at a fee of just £10 million, he is a much cheaper option than some other names mentioned and comes with goal scoring pedigree.
His return of 10 goals in 24 Eredivisie starts last season is impressive, and his ability to play anywhere across the frontline would be very helpful.
Leeds aren’t the first British club interested in the pacey 24-year-old, though. Celtic were heavily linked previously. His agent’s comments earlier in the window made it clear he’s looking to move on.
“Movement in the transfer market has been held up because of the coronavirus crisis, but it’s back now. I have been in plenty of Zoom conversations with big foreign clubs.
"Gyrano has proved he’s ready for the next step, although it’s not a foregone conclusion that he will leave. But he is very ambitious. He is 24 years old and has had a very strong season.”
Kerk has the makings of a great value signing for Leeds. If he’s available at that price, the Whites should still have plenty of transfer budget to play with to sign a player like Rodrigo De Paul.
Brown Impressed By Latest Signing
Pundit Michael Brown is excited by Leeds’ latest signing, Diego Llorente.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said, “You are impressed because it’s been mentioned for some while now, thinking: ‘Are they going to do it?’"
“He’s the right calibre, it’s experience, he’s late 20s now, the club’s he’s played at – magnificent. He’s an international player so it’s a big signing for them.”
Brown is spot on about the importance of Llorente’s arrival – does he make Leeds a contender to finish in the top half of the Premier League?
Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*
