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Report: Christiansen wants Matt Derbyshire to join Leeds, having targeted him previously

General view inside the stadium before the game - Elland Road (Reuters)
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Leeds United are reportedly keen to sign striker Matt Derbyshire.

Matt Derbyshire of Rotherham United on the bench before the gameMatt Derbyshire

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United are interested in signing Omonia striker Matt Derbyshire as new manager Thomas Christiansen continues his pursuit of the Englishman.

Christiansen, 44, was the surprise choice to become Leeds manager on Thursday afternoon, with the former Barcelona striker named as Garry Monk’s replacement in the Elland Road dugout.

General view inside the stadium before the game - Elland RoadGeneral view inside Elland Road

The ex-AEK Larnaca and APOEL Nicosia boss must now look to bring in new signings to boost his squad, and he appears to be going back in for a target he had with former club APOEL.

The Daily Mail report that Christiansen wants to bring Omonia striker Matt Derbyshire back to England this summer, and could challenge Greek giants Panathinaikos for his signature.

Thomas ChristiansenThomas Christiansen

Derbyshire, 31, left Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United in the summer of 2016 in order to head to Cyprus with Omonia, and he enjoyed a stunning season with 27 goals in 41 appearances.

Derbyshire’s last two Championship seasons saw him score nine goals and eight goals respectively, and he could now be offered a return to English football this summer.

Matt Derbyshire of Rotherham United celebrates scoring his teams second goalMatt Derbyshire celebrates scoring

Leeds boss Christiansen is believed to have wanted to take Derbyshire to APOEL, but poor relations with Omonia meant the deal was impossible – and he could now move to sign the ex-Blackburn striker at Leeds.

Leeds have needed greater firepower to assist Chris Wood in the final third, and whilst Derbyshire has a patchy Championship record, Christiansen may feel that he can get the best out of him having pursued him previously.

Would you like to see Leeds United sign Derbyshire?