Leeds United have identified Nottingham Forest striker Sam Surridge as a potential option to bolster their attack this summer.
That is according to Phil Hay of the Athletic, who reports Surridge is an alternative target to that of Swansea City’s Joel Piroe, with Leeds among several clubs in pursuit of the Dutchman.
Surridge has reportedly been told he is allowed to leave Forest during the transfer window after they retained their Premier League status last season.
The 24-year-old struggled for regular game time at the City Ground in 2022/23, though, with the opening day defeat at Newcastle United the only match in which he started.
Taiwo Awoniyi was very much Steve Cooper’s first choice number nine last summer, but even during a long absence between January and April, Surridge was unable to force his way into the starting XI.
Surridge a potential option for Leeds this summer
Despite that, Surridge is still somewhat of a fan favourite at Forest having netted seven goals in the second half of their promotion season in 2021/22 after joining from Stoke City.
However, that is the only real period of his career that Surridge has been close to being prolific at this level, with his overall record in the Championship reading 17 goals in 86 matches.
So with that in mind, Surridge isn’t really the deadly marksman Leeds need to replace Patrick Bamford as their first choice number nine.
Piroe would represent a far better option this summer having netted 22 and 19 goals respectively in the last two Championship seasons.
Leeds will face intense competition for the Dutchman, but they must do all they can to prise him to Elland Road ahead of the likes of Leicester City.
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