Leeds have apparently dipped into the striker market ahead of the winter transfer window opening on January 1st.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha are faring well for Daniel Farke with five and four Premier League goals respectively so far this season.
However, considering the fact both have concerning injury records, Leeds could be left in a tough situation if the 49ers fail to sign another striker in January.
It seems attempts are being made to find another option for Farke, as Il Messaggero in Italy state that Leeds have opened talks with Manchester United over a deal for Joshua Zirkzee – a claim also backed up by TEAMtalk.
The Dutchman has made just three Premier League starts so far this season, but if Leeds can get him performing, it could be enough to secure survival considering what has previously been said about the striker.
Joshua Zirkzee was once told he is “better than Haaland at everything” as Leeds United make move
Before his £36.5m move to Old Trafford in July 2024, the Netherlands international was hot property at Bologna.
Would you take Joshua Zirkzee at Leeds? ⭐
Even if he's currently at Man United?
So much so, that Suleyman Ozturk of Dutch news outlet Voetbal International went as far as saying that he was better than Haaland at several aspects of football.
He said: “Zirkzee is better than Haaland at everything. Now you may be dismayed because of this statement, but I will frame it. (Zirkzee) has vision, technique, strength, charisma, flair, footballing ability. He is therefore better than Haaland in almost everything.
“Imagine if Zirkzee had the energy and focus of Haaland. Then he would be the best striker in the world.”
The Manchester United No.11 has only managed to score eight goals in 59 appearances in English football so far, so he is yet to live up to this wild statement.
However, many players – such as Leeds’ nemesis Scott McTominay and Antony – have shone since leaving the circus that is Old Trafford, so perhaps Zirkzee has simply been a victim of a toxic environment.
Leeds United target Joshua Zirkzee has also been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zirkzee was previously billed as a potential star of the future, and whilst he is yet to dazzle in England, he still has time on his side at the age of just 24.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
Not only has the Schiedam-born attacker been dubbed better than Haaland, but Damien Hertog, the man who discovered him while scouting for Feyenoord, branded him as the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic too.
He told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “When I saw him for the first time, he played against us with Ado Den Haag’s Under-15s. What struck me? He was very, very tall.
“His qualities back then reminded me of those of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I thought so on several occasions, and I think, in flashes, he still reminds me a lot of him.
“To reach such a level he will have to become the best version of himself and grow day by day with perseverance and determination.”
Interestingly, both Ozturk and Hertog point to mentality when discussing what could hold Zirkzee back, so if Leeds do strike a deal and can get his head in the game, it could prove to be an inspired signing.
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