Report: Leeds summer target Jerry Mbakogu applies for dual Italian passport

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Leeds United tried to make a £3.5 million deal for Jerry Mbakogu happen during the January transfer window.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Leeds have potentially received a boost in their pursuit of Jerry Mbakogu, with the Carpi striker applying for a dual Italian passport that would make a potential summer move much easier.

Mbakogu has enjoyed a decent season in Serie B for the mid-table side, having scored six goals in 19 league games. The Mail reports that Leeds looked to sign him during the January transfer window, but the £3.5 million deal did not take place with Carpi determined to keep the 25-year-old for the rest of the season.

However, the Mail adds that the Whites are planning to make a fresh move in the summer, and it appears that they have received a boost in their pursuit of the forward.

The Mail suggests that Mbakogu – who has been attached to Italian clubs for the last 15 years – has applied for a dual Italian passport, and that will make a move away much easier.

Good deal for Leeds?

The most recent January window was perhaps the first in a while where Leeds have shown real intent in regards of their spending on first-team recruits, so a £3.5 million deal would still have to be considered a major statement from the Elland Road hierarchy regarding how highly they rate the striker if he manages to get the passport and Leeds manage to get a move across the line.

Having enjoyed an uninspiring season so far in the Italian second division however, it would certainly seem that there may be those who will doubt whether spending the seven-figure sum would be wise from the Championship club – even if Pierre-Michel Lasogga returns to Hamburg at the end of his loan spell this summer.