Leeds United intermediaries hold talks for forward who is a ‘massive upgrade’ on Joel Piroe

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Leeds United intermediaries have held talks with a potential ‘high calibre’ striker signing who is ‘available’ this summer, Leeds United News has exclusively learned.

It’s been a strong transfer window so far for Leeds United but more work needs to be done if they are to prove the Opta supercomputer wrong and avoid relegation.

Leeds have made seven signings, with problem positions like goalkeeper, centre-back and midfield all sorted.

Daniel Farke has added height and top-level experience to his squad, but now wants some more attacking prowess after being frustrated with the lack of it in the 1-1 draw with Villarreal.

A winger and playmaker are high on the list and Bilal El Khannouss and Dilane Bakwa are being targeted after Igor Paixao chose Marseille over Leeds.

A number of strikers have been considered, but little progress has been made on Rodrigo Muniz or Artem Dovbyk, with other linked hitmen going elsewhere.

However, Inter striker Mehdi Taremi remains a big possibility and talks have been held via intermediaries, Leeds United News has exclusively learned.

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Leeds United and Mehdi Taremi ‘intermediaries talking’ amid transfer interest

Taremi emerged as an ambitious target for Leeds in July, even though the Inter striker was involved in the Champions League final defeat to PSG at the end of May.

Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has exclusively told Leeds United News that Taremi is being eyed by the Whites, and preliminary discussions between intermediaries have been held.

“Taremi’s been someone on Leeds’ radar for a while,” Bailey said.

“I know he’s 33, but he really is a top-notch player.

“I can say from speaking to scouts and people abroad, he really is a high-calibre centre-forward.

“If Leeds got him, I think he would be a massive upgrade and he’s a proper Premier League-level striker.

“He really is, from what I’m told. It’s surprised me how good he is, from the feedback I’ve got. He’s never looked out of place playing for Inter.

“I do know he’s he’s been offered to Leeds. Let’s see. Let’s see where it goes. There are some intermediaries talking.”

Taremi only signed for Inter from Porto on a free in 2024 but could be on the move from the San Siro, with reports in Italy claiming Leeds are close to a deal.

The Iranian only scored three times last season but did pick up nine assists and was consistently a big threat off the bench.

Taremi was particularly fantastic when he came on in the thrilling 4-3 Champions League semi-final second leg triumph over Barcelona, in which he set up the dramatic winning goal.

He also scored 91 goals and teed up 56 more in 182 games for Porto and has 258 career goals in total.

That sort of pedigree would certainly be an upgrade on Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha.

Mehdi Taremi career stats

Leeds United stance on signing Mehdi Taremi from Inter

Bailey also provided an update on where Leeds currently stand on signing Taremi and what sort of deal could be on the cards.

He added: “How high Leeds are, I’m not 100% sure yet.

“But I know he’s someone who is available.

“It won’t be an expensive deal in terms of fee, but he obviously would be one of the highest-paid players in the squad, if not the highest-paid player.

“Probably a loan to buy, Inter may insist on an obligation.”

Signing a 33-year-old striker on big wages isn’t typically the move modern clubs make, but Taremi’s short-term impact would certainly be worth the cost if he can fire Leeds to Premier League safety.

If the veteran striker can be signed, especially for a minimal transfer fee or loan, it would be a great chance for Leeds to improve one position while saving funds to recruit a winger and attacking midfielder.