Leeds want £52k-a-week striker likened to Emile Heskey, may replace Patrick Bamford

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Leeds United are reportedly eyeing a surprise move for RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen as Daniel Farke looks to mould his newly-inherited squad – and the Dane has been compared to Emile Heskey, by the Bundesliga’s website.

Poulsen, 29, has spent the last 10 years at Leipzig – but has just entered the final 12 months of his contract with the German side. Leipzig are likely to be looking at a possible exit, given a renewal on his £52k-a-week deal is unlikely.

It means this summer represents the last chance to cash in on the 70-time Denmark star. He started just four of 28 appearances last season. The Mail report that Leeds are showing interest in Poulsen ahead of a potential signing.

He is the kind of striker not particularly known for goals. But one that offers a bit of everything – and most notably, work rate. He can also play as a secondary striker or out wide, laying on 63 assists in 358 games for RB Leipzig.

The Bundesliga site ran a profile on Poulsen, and compared him to Heskey: “Much like the ex-England man was for Michael Owen, Poulsen is the perfect strike partner for [Timo] Werner. A player who puts himself about on the pitch.

“He combines strength with movement to find room to offer himself for a pass, opens up space. He may not always grab the headlines for goalscoring, but like Heskey, his importance to the team goes deeper than pure statistics.”

Leeds eye Yussuf Poulsen: Dane has been compared to Emile Heskey

Leeds need a goalscorer. Poulsen is a top striker, a household name in the Bundesliga and for his country over the years. Still only 29, he is at the peak of his powers but is not being given the game time he arguably deserves.

But is he what Leeds need? Leeds need a striker that can score 25 goals or above next season. Poulsen will score for Leeds, of that there is no doubt. But he is the kind of striker that might create as many as he actually scores.

The Mail reported on Monday that Patrick Bamford could end up leaving before the end of the transfer window and bringing in Poulsen as a replacement would be a very solid signing. But he might just lack that goals we require.