Sunderland open talks to hijack a key Adam Underwood target at Leeds United

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A trend of Leeds United’s summer transfer window has been Adam Underwood and his transfer team identifying a target, only for Sunderland to then swoop in and offer more money.

Sunderland have now clocked up 11 summer signings with Omar Aldarete joining the club from Getafe for a fee believed to be £10m. Four more signings than Leeds, two fewer than Scott Parker’s Burnley.

Four of Sunderland’s 11 signings were targets for Leeds before they ended up on Wearside. The obvious one is Habib Diarra. Leeds made a £22m bid for Diarra, before Sunderland splashed £30m on him.

Leeds eyed Marc Guiu in January and interest remained, but he’s joined Sunderland while Leeds held talks for Reinildo Mandava. Then, Noah Sadiki confirmed Leeds made a bid before joining Regis Le Bris’ side.

• READ MORE: Mateo Joseph and Junior Firpo react as player leaves Leeds on a permanent basis

Now, Sunderland want to sign a fifth player on Leeds’ radar

Sunderland and Leeds were always going to share the same targets, given they were both promoted clubs. But, the way Sunderland have swooped in after Leeds initially showed interest has been constant.

Other players like Matthis Abline, Djordje Petrovic, Jeremie Boga and more have been linked with both Leeds and Sunderland. Now, a key Leeds target is said to be the subject of a new Sunderland enquiry.

Leeds have been in talks for Artem Dovbyk at Roma, with Leeds sending scouts to watch him play on Saturday against Everton at The Toffees’ new stadium. The Ukraine star’s price tag continues to fluctuate.

But according to Italian outlet Siamo La Roma, Sunderland have now opened talks to land Dovbyk. The striker could leave Roma despite scoring 17 goals last term and winning the 2023-24 La Liga golden boot.

The status of Leeds United’s pursuit of a new striker this summer

When Leeds completed their seventh signing of the summer, namely goalkeeper Lucas Perri, many felt the club would have a few more through the door by the time Daniel Farke’s side faced Everton.

But with just six days until Leeds welcome Everton to Elland Road under the lights next Monday, Leeds have failed to add to their seven signings. A striker remains a priority for Adam Underwood and Farke.

Leeds are still confident of a deal for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, despite interest from Newcastle United and Atalanta. But, Leeds have been rejected by Andrea Pinamonti, and Rennes’ Arnaud Kalimuendo.