Leeds United’s hopes of landing a £36.5 million striker to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad in January are fading fast as a rival bid moves closer to completion.
Daniel Farke has made no secret of his desire to strengthen Leeds’ options in attack after the club missed out on a late deal to sign Harry Wilson in the summer transfer window.
Several options have been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks, including Roma forward Artem Dovbyk, who was also on Leeds’ radar in the summer.
£36.5 million Man United forward Joshua Zirkzee is another name reportedly on Leeds’ radar, having produced an important cameo against the Whites in the recent draw between the two sides.
However, that move now appears increasingly unlikely, as Man United are close to agreeing a deal for Zirkzee to return to Italy.
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Leeds United look set to miss out on Joshua Zirkzee
According to a report from Il Messaggero, Roma are closing in on a deal to sign the Man United forward in the current transfer window.
Initial reports suggested that the Red Devils would demand a fee in excess of £30 million for Zirkzee; however, according to the Italian publication, Roma are closing in on a loan-to-buy deal for the forward.
The report states: “The deal, therefore, isn’t done, but it’s certainly well underway. The Red Devils’ initial asking price was €50 million.
“The Friedkins have given the green light to the deal, but a discount on the player’s price will be needed.
“Therefore, the Giallorossi have offered a high-interest loan (around €5 million) with a €30 million option to buy, which will become a mandatory buyout if the club qualifies for the Champions League.”
Roma’s Joshua Zirkzee deal could pave the way for Artem Dovbyk signing
Although Zirkzee’s potential move to Roma may be bad news for Leeds on paper, it could open the door for them to make their move for Dovbyk in the January window.
Dovbyk was heavily linked with a move to Leeds in the summer, but the move never materialised as the 49ers failed to strengthen the Leeds squad in the closing hours of the window.
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The Ukrainian forward has struggled for form this season, finding the net just twice in 12 Serie A appearances, according to Transfermarkt.
If Zirkzee does complete his move to the Italian capital, this could open the door for Leeds to finally complete their move for Dovbyk, which has been in the pipeline for several months.
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