Leeds United are interested in signing a striker by the end of the summer transfer window, but Southampton star Che Adams is not currently the top target on Victor Orta’s shortlist.
Victor Orta favours Che Adams alternative as Leeds consider Southampton star
Leeds United have held internal discussions at Elland Road over the Whites’ interest in the Southampton striker Che Adams. That’s according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, who note Jesse Marsch is keen to add depth to his attacking options before the off-season sales end.
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Patrick Bamford is fit and raring to start the Premier League season at home to Wolves on Saturday, August 6. But the forward’s frequent absences last term highlighted the Whites’ need for alternative attackers beyond natural wide forwards Jack Harrison and Dan James.
Joe Gelhardt is also still finding his footing in first-team football after the 20-year-old broke through last season. He featured in 20 top-flight fixtures for two goals and four assists, but only played 732 minutes and started the action on five occasions despite Bamford’s issues.
Leeds miss out on special target as AC Milan sign Charles De Ketelaere
Leeds’ head of European recruitment Gaby Ruiz identified Charles De Ketelaere as a special potential target. However, Club Brugge have now sold the Belgian to AC Milan for an initial €32m (£26.5m), rising €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons. He will also earn €2.5m-a-year (£40k-a/w).
Elland Road chiefs also appreciate Martin Terrier of Stade Rennais and Paris Saint-Germain gem Arnaud Kalimuendo. But Terrier may fall out of the West Yorkshire outfit’s price range and many teams are now also keen on taking Kalimuendo away from the Parc des Princes.
Southampton star Adams also features on Leeds director of football Orta’s shortlist as the Whites advance Marsch’s interest in forwards. But the 26-year-old is not the top name on the board, as Elland Road chiefs are determined to ensure confidence in their next target.
Andrea Radrizzani involved in striker search as Che Adams bid touted
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has also contributed to the internal debates over Marsch’s interest in signing strikers like Southampton’s Adams. But any deal may not occur right up until the September 1 deadline to ensure whoever arrives in West Yorkshire is the right fit.
Southampton, meanwhile, are prepared to listen to offers to sell Adams, according to Alex Crook. He joined the Saints from Birmingham City in 2019 for £15m on a five-year contract. But the 26-year-old has only hit 21 and created 12 goals in 110 games on the south coast.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has hailed Adams as a ‘fantastic’ striker for his ability to step into games and make a difference. Yet Leeds would want Southampton to take a hit to sell him, with The Sun reporting Orta has lined up a possible £10m bid, if he advances Marsch’s interest.
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