Daniel Farke frustrated as £34.7m striker picks his next club it’s not Leeds United
Another day, another source of frustration for Leeds United in their bid to sign a new striker before the Premier League gets underway on August 18, with Atalanta closing in on an Elland Road target.
Leeds have been desperate to add a striker with Patrick Bamford told to go, and Mateo Joseph choosing to leave. Harry Gray remains completely inexperienced and Joe Gelhardt is expected to leave this week.
It leaves Leeds with Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha. While both have impressed during pre-season, there are doubts over whether either of them could be the man that fires Leeds towards Premier League safety.
Piroe has never played in the Premier League, and there were times last season where he struggled to find the back of the net. Nmecha has, but only briefly. Leeds are planning to sign a new big-name striker.
More frustration as Nikola Krstovic has picked his next club
Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic is one of a number of strikers touted with a move to Elland Road this summer. Over in Italy, the Montenegro striker has been strongly linked, having had a hand in 16 Serie A goals.
But in England, sources rule out a move to Leeds for Krstovic with the Lecce man preferring to remain in Italy. That seems to remain the case even if the three-week transfer window klaxon is fast approaching.
Some reports say Leeds tabled a £21.7m bid for Krstovic, but Lecce want £34.7m. Now, Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri has an update and he confirms that Krstovic wants to join Atalanta with talks underway.
“Atalanta has a concrete interest for Nikola Krstović. Talks have started between Lecce & Atalanta in order to discuss potential move. The player is keen and personal terms won’t be an issue. Wait&See,” he said.
