Leeds United could be set for their first disappointment of the transfer window with CSKA Moscow closing in on a deal to sign Canada international Cyle Larin, according to various reports across the continent.
To say Victor Orta has been admiring this speedy striker for years would be an understatement.
The bearded, bespectacled talentspotter set his sights on Larin after he shot to fame across the Atlantic with Orlando City, forming a fearsome partnership with Brazilian legend Kaka in Florida (Sun).
Flash forward to 2020 and, after an impressive loan spell at Zulte Waregam, Larin found himself in Orta’s sights once again. According to Fotospor, parent club Besiktas were willing to sell with Leeds aiming to finally bring a long-term transfer target to Elland Road.
But the trail has grown cold somewhat since those initial reports emerged and it looks like Orta is set to miss out for the second time.
Calciomercato reports that Russian giants CSKA Moscow are set to win the race for Larin’s signature. Such claims are backed up by Gazzetta, who claim that CSKA will hand the North American forward a contract worth £30,000-a-year.
“Cyle does everything well. He creates chances. If he didn’t create any more chances, we would really have to worry,” a certain Saido Berahino told Het Nieuwsblad recently after spending the season alongside Larin at Zulte Waregam.
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