Pierre-Michel Lasogga looks set to swap the Bundesliga for the Championship – but will he join Leeds United or Aston Villa?
With just three days until the transfer window slams shut, Leeds United are still on the lookout for a striker capable of replacing Chris Wood at the head of their attack.
And it appears that the most likely addition is Hamburg’s Pierre-Michel Lasogga with the Bundesliga club’s sporting director, Jens Todt, confirming to the Hamburger Morgenpost that the forward has travelled to Elland Road to negotiate a deal.
The 25-year-old exploded onto the scene with a prolific 2013/14 season, emerging as a potential forward option for Joachim Low ahead of their triumphant World Cup campaign.
However, injuries have disrupted Lasogga’s rhythm in recent seasons and he has only scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga in the last three years.
And Hamburg appear desperate to move Lasogga on before the end of the transfer window due to his high wages – though it’s this £50,000-a-week pay-packet that could prove a stumbling block for Leeds, as reported by the Yorkshire Post.
Another striker?
Aston Villa are also tracking the striker, according to TEAMtalk, and the Midlands side may feel that they can move ahead of Leeds for the German if there are any problems with Lasogga’s wages at Elland Road.
Villa spent big on strikers last year but goals remain an issue for Steve Bruce’s side despite improved form in front of goal in recent weeks.
Jonathan Kodjia remains out with a broken ankle, Scott Hogan has struggled with injuries since moving from Brentford in January and Ross McCormack is unlikely to return to the first-team fold after finding himself on the wrong side of Bruce.
Though whether Villa are willing to part with a substantial amount once again to fund a move for Lasogga, who has also been linked with Wolves, remains to be seen.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
