If we don’t get a striker in before the deadline on Thursday then it will be a shock. Leeds are being linked with every man and his dog at the moment, some are legitimate and some nonsense, so here is who and what we know at the moment.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga – In Talks
Hamburg are willing to let their striker go if a deal can be agreed. Sky Sports News have now confirmed a deal is being discussed, Lee Sobot of the YEP also suggesting talks are ongoing. Phil Hay said that the Bundesliga striker flew to England yesterday with his family to discuss the deal with Leeds. It’s currently believed that Victor Orta is trying to persuade the forward to join, but the £50k per week wages are the major stumbling block. Hamburg would be paying a lot towards the wages if the deal does come off.
Patel Cibicki – In Talks
23-year-old Malmo FF striker Cibicki has come into the frame in the last few days and seems like it has the most legs along with the Lasogga deal. There will be no issue with his wages though and the only thing holding this deal up is probably whether Leeds actually want to sign the player or not. He was left out of his sides game at the weekend and will benifit from the move. We shouldn’t be surprised at him coming from one of Europes less known leagues, we’ve been doing it all summer.
Dwight Gayle – Just A Rumour
It was confirmed earlier today that Leeds weren’t actually after the player which isn’t a surprise given his wages and how much he would cost. We seem intent on getting cheaper players who will fit in and we’ve done it so far, mainly through the European market. Gayle is a top striker at this level but this doesn’t seem like a deal Leeds would pursue and Newcastle have been reported at wanting anything up to £18 million for the player.
Nelson Oliviera – Looked At, But Not Pursued
The Norwich striker is easily one of the best in the division and with Norwich starting so poorley and struggling for money this deal would and could have happened but according Lee Sobot, we looked but didn’t go any further than that for the player. That’s disappointing given how good the player is and how much money we have to spend but it doesn’t seem to be the way we are going at the moment.
Rudy Gestede – Bid Rejected, Interest Ended
Leeds bid £6 million for Boro striker Rudy Gestede almost straight after the club had sold Chris Wood for £15 million. The issue here is that Gestede is actually getting a regular game under Garry Monk and that in a team where the competition for places is greater than any other in the league. Leeds didn’t go back in for a second bid due to those reasons.
