Leeds United’s pursuit of a new striker has been long and fraught, but it might just be about to change if reports from Italian media are to be believed this week.
For the entirety of the summer, Leeds have pursued Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz. While Leeds were willing to part with more than £30m to sign Igor Paixao, the club have been unwilling to meet Fulham’s price tag.
A £32m bid was rejected for Muniz and nothing has been reported of a new bid, since. Other strikers have also been touted, with exploratory talks held for Roma’s Artem Dovbyk and Kasper Dolberg a possibility.
But a surprise new name has emerged in recent days and on Thursday morning, it has been reported in one of Italy’s biggest sports newspapers that Leeds are ‘close’ to completing the signing of Mehdi Taremi.
Leeds ‘close’ to signing Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi
Italy’s football media love a good rumour, and have strongly linked Nikola Krstovic with a move to Elland Road while sources on this side of the channel have always denied that Leeds wanted the Lecce striker.
So, a pinch of salt is required. But, Corriere Dello Sport say (7 August, page 5) that Leeds are ‘close’ to agreeing a deal to sign Inter’s 33-year-old Iranian striker Taremi. A Champions League finalist, no less.
Taremi has only been at Inter for a year and was largely a fringe player behind the likes of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. But, Taremi’s stats at Porto are stunning – 92 goals and 56 assists in 182 games.
With Inter signing Ademola Lookman and reshuffling their final-third options, Taremi has been made available and Leeds have moved. According to CDS, Taremi wants to stay in Europe and Leeds are close.
Leeds set to sign Taremi ahead of three Premier League clubs
Despite his age, interest in Taremi has been aplenty this summer. Brazilian giants Botafogo have tried to sign Taremi, but the powerful ace rejected a move to Brazil with the forward keen to stay in this continent.
The report from CDS also says West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Fulham have shown interest in signing Taremi. Forest of course, have qualified for Europe and yet, Leeds were ‘overwhelming’ in their move.
As aforementioned, nothing has been reported from sources deemed respectable on these shores. But, there is every chance that Taremi could be the next signing to walk through the door at Elland Road.
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