Leeds United are keen to win the race for Daryl Dike in the January transfer window after intermediaries offered the Orlando City star to Premier League clubs, according to 90min.
Agents are working to bring the 21-year-old back to England over the winter following his standout loan spell with Barnsley. Dike spent the second half of the 2020/21 term in South Yorkshire, during which he scored nine goals over 22 of the Tykes’ Championship fixtures.
Barnsley had an option to buy the eight-cap USMNT striker for $20m (£15m) but could not afford to without promotion. Instead, he returned to America and lit up MLS with 11 goals in 19 appearances, including one play-off tie.
Orlando opposed lowering their valuation of Dike following his loan spell with Barnsley and are unlikely to accept anything less should Leeds or a Premier League rival target a transfer.
Around half a dozen top-flight sides reacted to his agent’s approach with interest in a deal. West Brom are also keen to see Dike return to the Championship. They have former Barnsley boss Valerian Ismael at The Hawthorns after he left Oakwell over the summer.
Orlando open to Dike exit amid Leeds transfer interest
Orlando are open to Dike departing the Exploria Stadium in January, amid Leeds’ interest in a transfer. The MLS franchise would also listen to loan approaches, depending on the deal.
Leeds, then, could perhaps sign Dike with a similar loan-to-buy arrangement that Barnsley agreed with Orlando for his transfer. Whites Director of Football Victor Orta agreeing such would hand Marcelo Bielsa the extra goal threat he so desperately needs.
The Elland Road natives have only scored 18 goals in 18 Premier League fixtures so far this season. Star-man Raphinha also accounts for eight of their efforts to date from 16 games.
However, Bielsa may be reluctant to sign a forward with no Premier League experience. Even though Dike hit the ground running with such devastating effect in the Championship.
“I think they’ve probably got the best striker in the division in Dike,” former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock said in April, via quotes by The Northern Echo.
“I would imagine if they go up, they’ll be buying him because he’s been unbelievable when I look at his clips. He scores goals, he’s big, strong and young. He’s got every attribute.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
