Joel Piroe says his next move will be driven by footballing reasons, putting emphasis on what's best for his career. The Dutch forward has had a prolific couple of years at Championship outfit Swansea and is keen to ensure he makes the right choice next and builds on his prolific spell in Wales.
The 23-year-old has found the net an impressive 41 times from 89 Championship matches. However, he is about to enter the final year of his contract and he is carefully thinking about his next move.
He is the centre of plenty of transfer speculation, with clubs hoping they can do a deal at a knockdown price. Leeds United are among the clubs credited with interest in the player, along with a clutch of others.
WalesOnline report that Serie A side Atalanta and Leicester City have both been in touch with the player's representatives this week, while Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Everton are believed to have joined Leeds in chucking their names into the ring.
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Piroe was a player of interest to Leeds this time last year and, according to the Athletic, they have retained that interest. It's going to be a busy summer for new manager Daniel Farke.
With several Leeds players already the subject of transfer speculation and being linked with moves away, Farke will have to oversee a revamp of his squad as he looks to put together a side ready to challenge for a return to the Premier League.
Piroe would be a smart acquisition and if Leeds want to turn their reported interest into an official move, what Farke has to say over how he plans to use him will be key to negotiations.
Speaking about this summer's transfer speculation, Piroe told Eindhovens Dagblad: "Whether I will stay in Swansea for another year? There is a lot of speculation, but it remains to be seen whether something concrete will happen.
"It is nice to hear that clubs are interested. I mainly look at where I can play a lot and continue to take steps as a football player."
New Swansea boss Michael Duff will be hoping his prize asset remains and admits he has spoken to the player.
"I had some good conversations with Joel at our training camp in Spain last week and he was asking in detail about what I want from him,” said Duff.
“Until anything changes we will keep on having those conversations. If he goes, he goes, and if he doesn’t he stays – it is not personal, it’s football.
“I understand he’s the big name at the club and only has a year left on his contract. There will be plans in place in terms of the way we play if he stays, and plans for if he goes."
