Leeds United leading Atletico Madrid and Newcastle United in £21m race after ‘intensifying talks’

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Leeds United are seemingly starting to make some movements in the transfer window with the initial 10-day market currently open – and a La Liga attacker is on the club’s radar.

Adam Underwood has been thrown in at the deep end as the club’s new sporting director after The 49ers chose to promote within. A £150m transfer kitty is waiting to be used, with Leeds expected to be busy.

Leeds need a new goalkeeper, a centre-back, a replacement for Junior Firpo and possible cover, two new midfielders, Manor Solomon signed permanently, a better version of Brenden Aaronson and a striker.

As every day passes, Leeds are linked with new players. In the last 24 hours, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has emerged as a target while Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana could join for £8m. Christantus Uche, as well.

• READ MORE: How the 22 players to leave Leeds last summer have fared at their new clubs

Leeds lead some of Europe’s big hitters in Christantus Uche race

This week, it was reported that Leeds and Brighton are willing to activate the £21m clause in Uche’s Getafe deal. It comes after his first proper season in professional football, having a hand in 10 goals.

Getafe took a risk by signing Uche for a nominal fee last summer but it has turned out to be a stunning bit of business, with the newly-capped Nigeria star playing a key role in Getafe avoiding relegation.

Now, Pan Africa Football say Leeds have ‘intensified talks’ in the last few days to land Uche. Brighton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid all want Uche – but the report says Leeds are further along.

Brenden Aaronson’s future surely in doubt if Leeds sign Uche

During 2024-25, Uche played in a number of positions. Up top, central midfield and behind the striker. The Nigerian then would be the first player Leeds have had that can play in those roles since Rodrigo.

But given he is largely an attacking midfielder, Aaronson will be concerned. The USA star struggled in the second half of last season, even if Daniel Farke continued to start him – he started 44 of 46 league games.

Aaronson is already considering his future at Leeds. The 2026 World Cup will be held in The States – and Mexico and Canada – next summer. He needs game time to ensure his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Especially, after Pochettino dropped Aaronson for March’s internationals. With Aaronson already thinking about a move, signing Uche would be the final nail in the coffin. He will be looking over his shoulder.