Leeds United told it ‘makes absolute sense’ to sign £4m striker in January transfer window

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Leeds United are reportedly interested in a new striker ahead of the January transfer window and a former Elland Road star has urged The 49ers to get a deal done next month.

Daniel Farke made it clear on Thursday that he expects a quiet January window. That is despite two of his Leeds players attracting interest in recent weeks, in the form of striker Joe Gelhardt and lefty Max Wober.

Leeds have options up top in Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford. Piroe currently sits top of the goalscoring rankings for Leeds with seven, though the Dutchman is guilty of going missing in matches.

Joseph is the opposite. The Spain U21 man is constantly involved, but his return of two goals in 18 games is not enough while Patrick Bamford got more game time on Saturday, a hint Bamford could now start.

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Leeds United make approach to sign Israeli striker Dor Turgeman

Despite Farke’s comments, Leeds have made an approach for £4m-rated Dor Turgeman. The Israeli star is impressing at Maccabi Tel Aviv, with 11 of Turgeman’s 21 career goals coming under boss Robbie Keane.

Turgeman opened the door to a move with comments in September, saying he will consider the chance to go when it arrives. A player that Manor Solomon knows well, playing alongside him with Israel.

Former Leeds man Carlton Palmer has told FLW that a move for Turgeman “makes absolute sense” with Piroe and Joseph yet to really make the striker position in Farke’s starting line-up their own this season.

“Could be a good signing, this. He’s a 21-year-old and young players are the way to go. Yes, there could be an argument about the standard that he is playing in. But he’s playing in the Europa League as well.

“They need someone who can split the defence and show composure, which is something Turgeman is showing in abundance. if you want a proven striker, then you may well have to pay big money for him.

“Joel Piroe hasn’t really been able to play that classic no.9 role, and Mateo Joseph’s growing pains as a season starter perhaps indicate that it’s worth Leeds having a look at Turgeman,” Palmer continued.

“To bring somebody in that is young that could do well for you? If you can get that for the right money, then it makes absolute sense,” he added, with Turgeman said to be available for a bargain fee of just £4m.

Dor Turgeman’s numbers compared to Leeds United trio this term

As Palmer alludes, Turgeman is not playing at Championship level at least domestically. But he is playing in the Europa League and scored recently in defeat to Spanish giants Real Sociedad, so there is potential.

At just £4m, Turgeman is a risk worth taking for Leeds even if it means that The Whites have to cash in on Gelhardt permanently. Gelhardt wants to leave, and Graham Smyth expects Bamford to go next summer.