Leeds United’s priorities this summer have been to replace Pascal Struijk, to sort out the club’s options in goal, cover at left-back, attacking midfielders and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Struijk has been replaced by Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson has arrived in attacking midfield. James Trafford is expected to arrive as a club-record signing for as much as £40m, from Manchester City.
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That leaves a lack of left-back cover, another midfielder and a rival for Calvert-Lewin. Priorities seem to be a midfielder and Trafford, but that could all be about to change as Graham Smyth delivers an update.
Leeds United are interested in La Liga wonderkid Carlos Espi
Leeds do have options up top. Calvert-Lewin has been in excellent form since joining Leeds, while Lukas Nmecha has provided adequate back-up. Especially with both players joining the club on free transfers.
But Leeds have always shown interest in adding a striker. In January, the Whites came close to signing Jacob Strand Larsen from Wolves, only for the forward to join Crystal Palace in the winter window.
Now, Graham Smyth has revealed one name on Leeds’ striker shopping list. He reports that the Whites are among a handful of clubs interested in Levante’s 21-year-old striker Carlos Espi after a superb 25-26.
Espi scored 11 La Liga goals last season for minnows Levante in just 25 top-flight Spanish appearances, while also racking up two goals in two Copa Del Rey games. It has the whole of Europe tracking him.
But Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief writer Smyth said Leeds are among the clubs interested in a move: “Carlos Espi (Levante) is on the list of strikers they like but no bid/move imminent.”
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Levante are expected to hold out for as much cash as possible. Gianluca Di Marzio reports however, it is an affordable amount, given the £21m release clause in his Levante contract. It explains the interest.
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Lazio, Aston Villa, Bologna and other Premier League clubs are interested. For Nmecha, it will come as a frustrating one having rarely put a foot wrong when given a start in the Premier League last season.
Nmecha would be relegated to third choice, with 6ft 4in Espi renowned not only for his height, but his pace and technical ability too. If Leeds do sign a striker this summer, ultimately it is curtains for Joel Piroe.
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