Leeds United have been active early in the transfer window as the club look to learn from last summer’s mistakes. Brendan Aaronson arrived for around £25million just days after safety was secured, with Danish right-back Rasmus Kristensen following his former Salzburg teammate - a medical is set for Wednesday with an official announcement set to follow.
Two key positions remain for Victor Orta and his team: a central midfielder and a striker. The Whites were left woefully short upfront last season as a result of Patrick Bamford's long-term foot problem, fielding winger Dan James up front for the majority of the season. Joe Gelhardt rose in stature as the season closed in, but at just 20 years of age, he remains a raw talent.
Neither Rodrigo or Tyler Roberts can provide the consistent goal threat of Bamford, nor can they lead a line physically, making a new out-and-out striker an absolute priority. Naturally, the rumour mill has been turning, linking any want-away forward with a move to Elland Road. But some rumours have had substance, and LeedsLive have picked out three strikers linked with a summer move and which is most likely.
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Junior Adamu
The most recent link comes from a newly-familiar place for Leeds fans, with RB Salzburg striker Junior Adamu rumoured to follow previous teammates Aaronson and Kristensen to West Yorkshire, according to Sky Sports Austria .
The 21-year-old has made 43 appearances in all competitions for the Austrian side, with nine goals and five assists - he scored Salzburg’s first-ever Champions League knockout goal against Bayern Munich, assisted by Aaronson.
Fast, strong and good in the air, the Austrian under-21 international is more than capable of leading a line and has the eye for goal to match. He can also operate in the withdrawn striker role - as he did alongside Karim Adeyemi last season - and presses with the energy of a Marsch player.
A price tag of £8-10million has attracted interest from the likes of West Ham, Southampton and RB Leipzig, but Leeds would hope a combination of previous business and the Marsch pull could persuade the youngster.
Valentin Castellanos
The longest and most consistent links have been with New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos, who was reportedly offered to Manchester City in recent weeks - the Premier League champions declined the offer but recommended other top-tier clubs to have a look.
The 24-year-old had a breakout 18 months in New York, scoring 28 goals in 43 games in the MLS, and rumours were fuelled when Orta, Angus Kinnear and Leeds director Massimo Marinelli were snapped in a New York restaurant recently.
He would act as a withdrawn partner to one of Bamford or Gelhardt, dropping into spaces before picking his moments to arrive into scoring positions. The goal record shows the Argentinian knows when to do exactly that, and links to compatriot Carlos Tevez should give an idea of the striker’s style.
Castellanos is likely to leave NYCFC in the summer, with the MLS club keen to cash in on a hot talent. Leeds face competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest for the striker, but the Whites should be in a strong position to land their man if they wish.
Ben Brereton Diaz
Much closer to home, Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz looks set for a move away from Ewood Park with Leeds one of several clubs interested. Rovers activated a contract extension last season to keep the striker at the club, but they are likely to cash in this summer instead of losing their talisman on a free next year.
The Chile international hit 22 goals in 37 games for Tony Mowbray’s side and bagged a further three for his country in World Cup qualifying - becoming a cult hero in South America after his heritage was discovered on Football Manager.
Goals are no problem for Brereton Diaz, and the striker can operate as a physical leader of the line as well as a shrewd operator in the box. He would provide stiff competition for Bamford and Gelhardt as the main presence, but he has dropped into deeper roles for Blackburn and could just as comfortably partner the two Whites men.
Price tags have ranged from £13-20million, and interest hasn’t just been in the Premier League. Several Spanish sides are keen to lure the striker overseas, with Sevilla and Real Betis able to use the incentive of European football - making Brereton Diaz’s arrival at Elland Road the least likely of the three.
