Leeds United Shift Focus to Striker Duo as £25M Valuation Ends Initial Pursuit
Daniel Farke is looking to bring a new striker to Leeds United over the summer transfer window.
As the Whites prepare for life in the Premier League, Joel Piroe is the only viable option for Farke to play up top, but whether his standards are high enough for the top flight is up for debate.
Jamie Vardy is one man who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, amid his exit from Leicester City and the likelihood of that could well ramp up.
Troy Parrott batted away by Leeds United
Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt are all linked with exits away from West Yorkshire this summer, leaving reinforcements needed.
Furthermore, despite Piroe receiving the Championship Golden Boot award this term, he failed to break the 20-goal barrier, which will surely make the Whites nervous.
It seems as though Farke is well underway in seeking incoming strikers, though, with several names linked with a move.
Troy Parrott was someone previously on Leeds’ list of transfer targets, although this pursuit is coming to an end because of his £25million price tag at AZ Alkmaar.
The Whites are said not to be keen on coughing up such a hefty value on an unproven number nine and are now planning to shift their focus elsewhere.
The Daily Star has reported in its print edition that (26 May, page 40), Vardy is one name who is on the list of other targets, with Evan Ferguson also being linked after a loan spell with West Ham.
Farke needs to have options at Leeds
If Leeds are going to succeed in the Premier League next season, then the manager needs to have different options available for him to turn to.
Parrott could have been an excellent addition on the field, but with the big price tag on his name, Farke is right to leave this one alone, with plenty of work needing to be done.
Someone like Vardy could be a great addition, given he is a striker with heaps of experience performing at the top level.
Similarly, links to Callum Wilson, who is likely to be a free agent this summer, would provide a similar solution.
Ferguson’s form at West Ham has been non-existent, but as a younger player, Farke could see that option as a project which could tie in well with the other options.
Nevertheless, the Championship champions need to prioritise the addition of someone ready to hit the ground running.
