Leeds United now eyeing £11.6m forward that Jesse Marsch bid for while in charge at Elland Road

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There are a few areas of this Leeds United squad that require improvement in the January transfer window and one of those could be the need for a new striker.

While Leeds lack competition for Brenden Aaronson in the no.10 role and could do with another centre-back, Daniel Farke’s side are actually well-stocked in terms of options when it comes to the sole striker.

Joel Piroe has now had a hand in 15 goals, scoring 10 himself and laying on five assists this season while Mateo Joseph is seen as a future gem. Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt remain as options at Leeds.

But that could soon change. Bamford is a target for Wrexham and Genoa, having failed to start a single league game and given his new injury, Bamford may be about to miss his last chance to start for Leeds.

The Whites are in action against Harrogate on Saturday and with Bamford missing the draw at Hull, it might be the first sign his career at Leeds is over. Joe Gelhardt meanwhile, is keen on a January exit.

• READ MORE: New £10m Elland Road target scored first career goal against Leeds United in 2021

Leeds now eyeing Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha

It is clear that Farke feels the need for more fire power up top. Piroe’s numbers are impressive but the Dutchman has often flattered to deceive this season, going missing in games where Leeds need him.

Joseph has managed two goals all season and The Whites could do with cover if Bamford and Gelhardt both go. The Mail claim in their sports pages (January 6, page 10) that Leeds want Mergim Berisha.

The Germany international joined Hoffenheim for £11.6m in the summer of 2023 after impressing at Augsburg. But in 18 months with Hoffenheim, Berisha has managed just 24 appearances and one goal.

Jesse Marsch made approach for Mergim Berisha while at Leeds

Marsch was often seen trying to sign his old players. He brought in Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Tyler Adams and Rasmus Kristensen, while Marsch pushed hard to sign Wolves attacker Hwang Hee-chan.

Back in 2022, Turkish outlet Yeni Safak said Marsch had made a £1.7m bid to sign Berisha while he was still at Fenerbahce. But a move did not materialise and soon after, Berisha was on his way to Germany.

Berisha of course, is a former teammate of Salzburg trio Aaronson, Wober and Kristensen and if Leeds do go to pursue a move seriously for the striker, then the presence of Aaronson and Wober may aid a deal.