Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Leeds firmly involved in chase for 67-goal striker as Everton join hunt with tempting swap deal

Viktor Gyokeres, Coventry striker, in SkyBet Championship action

Leeds United are firmly involved in the chase to sign Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres – but TEAMtalk can reveal they are far from the only side keen on his services with Everton and Brentford also planning swoops of their own.

The Whites already have one signing to their name this month, having pushed through a deal for Maximilian Wober. The RB Salzburg defender provides more cover at centre-half, while he can also operate as a left-back. And with Leeds struggling for options in that position this season, that is where he is largely likely to operate.

However, Leeds still hope to add further additions to their squad in order to boost their survival prospects. Jesse Marsch’s side are currently 14th in the table, but only two points clear of the Premier League drop zone.

And one area Marsch is keen to strengthen in is in attack. And while record signing Rodrigo has 10 goals in 17 appearances this season, they do lack competition for him in attack, with Patrick Bamford continuing to struggle for form and fitness.

The once-capped England striker is now into a 13th month without a goal. And while Marsch has revealed he is back in training, history tells us Leeds will need to take a cautious approach with his return.

As a result, trusted Leeds Utd journalist Phil Hay has this week confirmed that the Whites are keen on a deal for Coventry striker Goykeres.

The 11-times capped Sweden striker has been in excellent form for the Sky Blues this season, scoring 12 times in 25 appearances. Currently the Championship’s second highest scorer, he has taken his tally to 67 in 205 career appearances overall.

Leeds in the mix to sign Viktor Goykeres

Now, TEAMtalk can reveal that Leeds are very firmly involved in the bidding to sign the 24-year-old this month.

Our sources have indicated that Leeds are prepared to spend £14m to bring him to Elland Road this month. As it stands, that falls short of Coventry’s asking price of around £18m.

And while Mark Robins is in no hurry to sell, he knows Coventry would find it hard to turn down a sizeable offer.

However, Leeds are far from the only side keen on a deal and we can reveal that two other Premier League sides in Everton and Brentford are also keen.

The Toffees are desperate to add to their strikeforce too. As such, they are keen on both Goykeres and Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Diaz.

However, Goykeres is seen as a more obtainable target with Blackburn determined not to sell while promotion remains a possibility.

As such, Frank Lampard’s side are reportedly ready to offer Ellis Simms as part of the deal. He was recently recalled from Sunderland, but could be very quickly on the move again soon.

And while that is more likely to be in a loan capacity, Everton are reportedly willing to consider his permanent exit as part of the package. The Toffees could also offer Nathan Broadhead to Coventry too, were they to be interested.

Bees see Gyokeres as Toney successor

The two sides, though, also face competition from Brentford, who our sources inform us are also keen on Goykeres.

The Bees will likely one day need a replacement for Ivan Toney. The striker has 13 goals in 18 appearances this season and continues to attract attention of the big guns.

Thomas Frank’s side this week signed Freiburg forward Kevin Schade on an initial loan deal. That transfer is expected to become permanent in the summer, though the Bees see the German more as a winger.

Were they to target Gyokeres, he would be seen more as a long-term successor to Toney.

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