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Matty Hewitt

Who is Yussuf Poulsen? The RB Leipzig striker linked with Leeds United profiled

Leeds United's summer exodus has already begun with Daniel Farke and company aware of the areas they need to strengthen heading into next season. More first-team stars are expected to follow suit, with Patrick Bamford the latest name linked with a departure from Elland Road.

The Whites are under no illusion they need to bolster their frontline with last season's top scorer Rodrigo also linked with an exit this summer. The Spaniard has a reported release clause of £3million, which a number of European sides and Premier League clubs are said to be monitoring.

It's been much quieter in terms of incomings at Elland Road, but RB Leipzig forward Yussuf Poulsen is a name recently tipped for a move to Leeds. The Whites have done business with the Bundesliga side in the past - signing Jean-Kevin Augustin from Leipzig and the rest - as fans know - did not go to plan.

However, Poulsen is a different type of player altogether. LeedsLive has taken a look at his career to date and what he might bring to the Whites under Farke.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe on Ryan Fraser's Newcastle U21s demotion amid Leeds United interest

The Danish striker began his football career with BK Skjold as a defensive player, with former West Bromwich Albion stiker Kenneth Zohore a teammate of his. When Zohore left the club to join FC Copenhagen, Poulsen was moved into the vacant striker position and he hit the ground running.

He joined Lyngby BK and made his first senior appearance in 2011 and made just five appearances in his debut campaign, but would score 11 goals in 32 games the following season. His form would attract the attention of a number of European sides, but it was newly promoted RB Leipzig who won the race for his signature.

Leipzig were about to start their first campaign in 3.Liga, with Poulsen grabbing 10 goals in 36 appearances as they finished runners-up and won promotion to the Bundersliga.2. Leipzig would win promotion as runners-up again the following season with Poulsen scoring seven times in 32 appearances guiding the club into the top-flight.

The 29-year-old has been an ever-present since Leipzig made it to the top tier of German football, with his best return coming in 28-19 with 19 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions. Poulsen has 11 goals in 69 appearances for Denmark and has won the DFB-Pokal on two occasions, most recently this season.

The Danish striker isn't prolific in front of goal, but his tenaciousness and all-round build-up play has seen him become the club's all-time leading appearance holder. His rise through the German leagues is similar to that of Leicester City's Jamie Vardy, who was plucked from non-league football.

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