Former Leeds United coach Robbie Keane could help his former employers land a new centre-forward with Djordje Jovanovic potentially available for around £3 million this summer.
After a brief spell as a back-up vocalist to Sam Allardyce during the final few weeks of 2022/23, Robbie Keane is going solo.
The Republic of Ireland legend was confirmed as the new head coach of Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv in June. And one of Keane’s first acts in his new home may be to decide the future of a striker who could potentially follow in his Elland Road footsteps.
Leeds United, Sports Walla say, are showing an interest in Djordje Jovanovic. The Serbia international scored 22 goals in 43 games for Maccabi Tel Aviv last term but, as Sport5 point out, could find himself surplus to requirements with Keane likely to set up his new side in a 4-3-3 formation.
Jovanovic is reportedly under no illusions about what this means for his future either. Eran Zahavi – a living legend in Tel Aviv – is likely to be handed line-leading duties by Keane, leaving Jovanovic out in the cold.
Tel Aviv also have big plans for teenager David Dor Turgeman.
Djordje Jovanovic could be Leeds United’s next striker
As such, Sport5 believe that Jovanovic may be allowed to leave for the right price. The former Cadiz youngster is available for a fee in the region of £3.2 million. And Leeds should have few problems meeting Maccabi Tel Aviv’s asking price even after suffering relegation during Keane’s short-lived spell on the Elland Road bench.
Leeds have already freed up funds by discarding the likes of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Joel Robles and Brenden Aaronson. Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen and Wilfried Gnonto could also go, with Real Betis, Roma and Everton keen.
A reliable penalty-area presence, meanwhile, is a must for Leeds. Their first-choice centre-forward – Patrick Bamford – has spent the best part of two years battling with a niggling foot injury.
Stylistically-speaking, 23-year-old Jovanovic shares a few similarities with compatriot Aleksandr Mitrovic. He is strong and physical at over 6ft, and an instinctive finisher from inside the 18-yard box.
Jovanovic also broke the 20-goal barrer in 2021/22 for Serbian outfit FK Cukaricki.
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