Kelechi Iheanacho has picked who he wants to join out of Middlesbrough and Leeds United

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Leeds United were linked with a surprise raid on Victor Orta’s Sevilla for Kelechi Iheanacho this month and now, the Nigerian striker has chosen which club he will join – Leeds, or Middlesbrough.

Iheanacho, 28, has struggled to match his initial early promise in the last couple of seasons. Just five goals in 23 games for Leicester during Enzo Maresca’s promotion year, Iheanacho joined Sevilla in the summer.

But he’s managed just nine appearances in La Liga since Orta lured him to Spain, failing to score a single goal. He does have three goals in two Copa Del Rey outings, but they have come against lower teams.

Reports said Leeds were actually set to sign Iheanacho, but have since been denied. Graham Smyth said there was little chance of Leeds signing Iheanacho, citing is lack of form and his likely, enormous wages.

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Now, Kelechi Iheanacho has chosen his next club amid Leeds links

A return to English football has been touted over the last fortnight for Iheanacho, with Watford also in the mix. Ben Jacobs said over the weekend that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic had held talks to sign Iheanacho.

But it appears Iheanacho has made his decision. Spanish outlet El Desmarque report that Iheanacho is set to complete a move to Orta’s old side Middlesbrough, with Michael Carrick winning the race to sign him.

It is claimed Iheanacho has not reported for training with his Sevilla teammates on Sunday. The striker is in England, finalising a loan move to Middlesbrough until the end of the current Championship season.

Leeds’ focus is on Cameron Archer and a Chelsea striker

Leeds are set to battle it out with Southampton to sign Saints striker Archer in the last 48 hours of the window, with The Whites keen to get a deal done. Leeds will return with a second bid for Archer now.

Meanwhile, Leeds are also in the mix for Chelsea teenager Marc Guiu. Middlesbrough and West Brom have also shown interest, but with Boro signing Iheanacho it may help Leeds in pursuit of six-goal Guiu.

Whether Leeds get a deal done for a new striker before the end of the window remains to be seen. But Saturday proved that Leeds have plenty of artillery in attack, with Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph scoring.