Leeds suffer Joel Piroe blow as billionaire-owned side now interested – journalist

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CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United have been joined by French side OGC Nice in the race to sign Swansea City striker Joel Piroe this summer – with the Welsh side requesting a fee of £15m.

Piroe, 23, is a man in demand after scoring 44 goals in 92 games for Swansea since joining the Championship side from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2021. Wales Online report that Swansea want a fee of £15m for their striker.

However, the report claims he might end up staying because Swansea want a deal structured in a certain way – and that has not gone down well with Piroe’s representatives. He could remain for a third year, and then leave on a free.

That is of course, unless a club simply stumps up the cash that Swansea want to pay. Leeds are of course, looking to sign Piroe. Wales Online say Southampton, Leicester and Atalanta also want him. Now, Jacobs say Nice are keen.

Leeds are not necessarily the one to watch compared to the likes of Leicester and Southampton, who have looked. Away from English football, there’s been some interest from Nice. But nothing is necessarily imminent at this point.”

Jacobs says Leeds joined by Nice in race to sign Swansea striker Piroe

Piroe would be a wonderful signing, that is obvious. But it is unclear what Piroe wants to do – stay on these shores and gain promotion to the Premier League with a side likely to be in the mix, in Leeds, Leicester or Southampton.

Or, does he go abroad and chance his arm in France or Italy? A move to Atalanta would be beneficial for Piroe with Manchester United about to sign Rasmus Hojlund. Nice need a striker, but Piroe may struggle to start for both clubs.

Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho remain at Leicester, while Southampton have solid options up top too – the likes of Adam Armstrong, Che Adams and Sekou Mara remain. We are in need of Piroe more than most interested sides.

But Nice have the cash. Indeed, they are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – the man who has tried to strike a takeover of Manchester United. His INEOS company are in control, and The Sunday Times rich list say he is worth a huge £29b.