Leeds are working towards adding two experienced strikers to their squad before their Premier League season starts against Liverpool on September 12th.
Football Insider has reported that Leeds are pursuing Spanish international Rodrigo from Valencia and have been in touch with AC Milan about acquiring Rafael Leao.
The club could end up spending north of £50 million on the two strikers as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Having been urged to sign Ollie Watkins by former Leeds man Noel Whelan last week, a striker is clearly a top priority for Marcelo Bielsa and co. in the transfer window.
Valencia are looking to raise funds by selling some of their key players. They recently let Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin leave cheaply – Leeds will be hoping Rodrigo is available on a cut-price deal.
Leao, who scored six Serie A goals in 12 starts last season, will be the more expensive of the two.
Per Football Insider, the Leeds board have ‘given the green light’ for Bielsa to add a couple of forwards to compete with Patrick Bamford.
Phillips: White Deal Will Get Done
Despite having a series of bids rejected for Ben White, former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believes Leeds will sign the centre-back on a permanent deal before the window shuts.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said, “I do actually think he’ll end up at Leeds. I think nowadays the players have the power and I think he’ll push it because it seems that he wants to go there.”
Chelsea have also been linked with White, but Leeds are clearly the frontrunners at this stage and Phillips is very confident the transfer will get done.
He added, “Leeds really want the player. The deal will get done, it’s just how it gets done. I firmly believe the lad will end up at Leeds.”
King Will Cost £30 Million
The latest Leeds United transfer news rumours suggest that the club will have to splash £30 million to sign Josh King from Bournemouth.
The Cherries are set to clear out their squad this summer following relegation, but King will not be available cheaply. The Daily Express reported Manchester United had a £20 million bid turned down in January.
King continues to be linked with Manchester United, West Ham and Everton. There’s plenty of competition for his signature.
Bournemouth have already seen Nathan Ake leave this summer, and others will follow him out the door, but that hasn’t stopped them slapping a high asking price on King.
The 28-year-old can play anywhere across the frontline and has proven to be a versatile player for Eddie Howe over the last few seasons.
His 2019-20 campaign was a bit disappointing, however, with just 10 goal contributions in 24 Premier League starts.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
