Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Wolves striker gives Leeds United transfer green light as fee emerges and Jesse Marsch appeal is revealed

Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium

Leeds United have seemingly been given the go ahead to pursue a deal for Hwang Hee-chan, with the Wolves striker seemingly keen on a move and his asking price emerging.

The Whites have made an excellent start to the season and currently sit third after three matches. They have two wins and a draw to their name – with Sunday’s 3-0 trouncing of Chelsea their best display since Jesse Marsch took charge. And Leeds continued their winning momentum on Wednesday night as Barnsley were brushed aside in the Carabao Cup.

Leeds’ momentum this season has been generated by a flurry of new faces arriving at the club. Indeed, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams have quickly made their mark on the side following summer arrivals. And Luis Sinisterra – who scored a quality goal in the win over Barnsley – looks to be the next player to make their mark.

Despite eight new arrivals this summer, there remains questions over whether Leeds are yet finished with their business. To that end, the club remain in the hunt for a potential left-back and striker signings.

Their need for a left-back has been eased somewhat by Pascal Struijk’s excellent form so far this season. Covering for the injured Junior Firpo, Struijk has more tackles to his name than any other player in the Premier League so far.

However, the issue over a new striker signing remains very much in their thinking. Rodrigo has made an excellent start to the season, scoring four times in three games.

But amid concerns over Patrick Bamford’s fitness – the striker has missed their last two games – Leeds could look to bring in more cover.

Price tag emerges for Hwang Hee-chan

Indeed, Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear hints the club could yet make a late splash.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he says Leeds are happy with where the squad is. But they’ll be vigilant and active right to the end of the window. If an opportunity arises they have the funds and the will to take it.

To that end, Leeds continue to be linked with a number of potential striker signings. And the latest player to be linked – Wolves striker Hwang – is reportedly keen to make the switch to Elland Road.

As per Sky Sports, he is a player Marsch is keen to bring to the club. And it’s reported that the 26-year-old is also keen to link up with Marsch again, having worked with him at RB Salzburg and Red Bull Leipzig.

Leeds, however, are not alone in the pursuit of the South Korean, with Roma also keen on a potential deal.

But it is Leeds who appear in the driving seat for the striker, thanks to the Marsch connection.

Wolves reportedly value Hwang at around the £25m mark – a price that would not be too prohibitive for Leeds.

That would see the club make a sizeable profit on their £15m outlay on Hwang last summer.

Leeds could land a player of quality in Hwang

The Molineux side, however, will be reluctant to sell both Hwang and Pedro Neto, with the latter the subject of interest from Arsenal.

That said, Wolves are reluctact to sell the Portuguese star, with the sale of Hwang seen as the more favourable option at Molineux.

The player does not have a great record in front of goal since moving to the Premier League. Indeed, he has just five goals in 35 appearances for Wolves.

However, he has proven a good player under Marsch previously and Hwang is a player with many admirers.

Former teammate Erling Haaland has called him ‘brutal’ and ‘dynamic’. And former Salzburg head coach Peter Zeidler said of him: “He’s exceptional, has a brutal dynamism. I’ve rarely seen anything like it.”

Indeed, Hwang’s record overall reads as 68 goals in 242 career appearances – a goal every 3.5 games. A selfless runner, he is one of those players who also creates opportunites for those around him.

And given his willingness to hook up again with Marsch, Hwang may prove a good signing for Leeds if they can get the deal done.

The two sides met on the opening day of the season, Leeds winning 2-1. And they have also been paired again, this time in the Carabao Cup 3rd round.