West Ham United join Leeds United in race for ‘astonishing’ £13.5m attacker from title winners

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West Ham United have joined Leeds United in the race to sign a striker from a League champion this summer, with the forward expected to leave in the coming weeks.

Leeds are well-stocked in attack as things stand but The 49ers have made it clear they need to sell this summer. Players could leave if the right offer is made and that is likely to see Leeds need replacements.

Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville have been linked with the exit door. Nottingham Forest have tabled an offer of £16.9m for Italy star Gnonto, while Patrick Bamford could be allowed to leave Leeds.

Whether there is interest in the one-time England man remains to be seen, but he is one of the club’s highest earners and has failed to show why for a while and his exit means Leeds would need a striker.

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West Ham join Leeds in race for £13.5m striker this summer

Bayer Leverkusen striker Adam Hlozek had a hand in 12 goals during 36 appearances last season, even though he only managed 11 starts in that time. The German club could look to cash in on the Czech star.

Currently at Euro 2024, there is unlikely to be a quick resolution but a move to England looks more and more likely for Hlozek. Initially, reports said Leeds and Leicester wanted to sign Hlozek, nicknamed Bison.

Now, German newspaper BILD say West Ham have joined the race to sign the “astonishing” forward in the summer. The Hammers are likely to boast an advantage in the race to get him given their top-tier status.

Hlozek is a top player but there is a problem, he will be expensive

Leeds do not have excessive amounts of cash to spend and a move for Hlozek will be expensive for a number of reasons. The first being that Leverkusen spent £13.5m to sign him from Sparta Prague in 2022.

Secondly, Hlozek is still young at 21 and given that he has had a largely successful season despite being in and out of the Leverkusen side. That means Leverkusen will want more than their original outlay.

Another reason why Leverkusen may charge a whole heap of cash for Hlozek is that Sparta Prague have a 30% sell-on clause. With Leeds needing to make a profit this summer, a deal does seem unlikely.