Leeds United want Dries Mertens and the attacker has now admitted that he is a little baffled at being let go by Napoli this summer.
Leeds have enjoyed a productive start to the summer window, snapping up Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg.
The Whites are also closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca, continuing the strong start from Victor Orta and co.
Players continue to be linked with Leeds and there was an interesting rumour emerging last week as the Whites were touted with a push for Dries Mertens.
Leeds United want Dries Mertens
Voetbal Flitsen in Belgium reported that Leeds are in the race to sign Mertens on a free transfer.
It was suggested that Leeds United and Newcastle United are also in the mix to sign Mertens this summer.
Mertens is out of contract at Napoli and with his deal officially ending in just over two weeks, it looks like he will become a free agent.
Mertens may be 35 now but he is bound to attract plenty of interest if available on a free transfer.
The versatile attacker has turned out 397 times for Napoli, racking up 148 goals since his 2013 move from PSV Eindhoven.
Mertens may be well into his 30’s but scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.
In fact, Mertens has scored double figures in goal in every season since joining Napoli.
That kind of record is truly sensational and for him to be still finding the net at 35 in Serie A suggests there is plenty still in the tank.
Leeds will surely look for another striker this summer and Mertens may well appeal even if only as a short-term option.
Mertens has now been quoted by Football Italia as saying that he really thought he would be staying at Napoli and finds their decision to let him go ‘strange’.
Mertens added that he wants to find a ‘good club’ and will take his time, but there could be news in the near future as the veteran looks for a new club.
“I want to make the right choice. I want to find a good club,” said Mertens. “I’m calm, but I think a lot about my choice. I thought I’d stay at Napoli, it’s strange that they waited so long.”
“Regarding the contract extension at Napoli, I haven’t heard from anyone yet. I hope in the coming days or weeks to let you know,” he added.
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