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Leeds Utd step up hunt for record-chasing Serie A star as Orta considers major upgrade on struggling duo

Boulaye Dia linked with Leeds United

Leeds United are reportedly keen on a summer swoop for Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, with the Serie A side looking to instantly double their money on their Senegalese star.

The Whites are currently locked in a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, having lost four of their last five games. That run of results includes two embarrassing home defeats, with Javi Gracia’s side shipping 11 goals in matches against Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

And while they managed to tighten up a little against Fulham on Saturday, they still fell to a third straight loss with the Cottagers winning 2-1.

While Leeds have looked a little lost on the defensive side of things lately, their attack has also often lacked a focal point this season. Indeed, Patrick Bamford has struggled for both form and fitness for the best part of 18 months now. So far this season, the one-time capped England man has five goals and two assists from 26 appearances.

And while Rodrigo is enjoying his best season since signing for the Whites, the Spain forward now has just one goal in his last nine appearances.

Furthermore, his deal at Elland Road expires in summer 2024, leaving Leeds with a big decision on his future this summer.

And while Leeds are likely to offer Rodrigo a new deal, they will need to weigh up his future should the chance to cash in arise.

In planning for the future, Leeds director of football Victor Orta reportedly has his eyes on a number of potential options.

Now reports from Italy claim the Whites are stepping up their hunt for Salernitana striker Dia.

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Leeds keen on summer swoop for Boulaye Dia

It’s not the first time Leeds have been linked with the striker either. Indeed, reports earlier this season suggested the Whites were keeping a close eye on his performances.

And now, according to La Città di Salerno, Leeds are putting themselves firmly in the picture for his signing.

The 26-year-old star has proved a revelation since moving to Salernitana on loan from Villarreal. He currently has 11 goals and six assists from 28 appearances in Serie A – a goal contribution every 1.6 matches.

That form means Dia is now just one goal short of equaling the record as the club’s best-ever tally in a single season in Serie A. And two goals will ensure his name goes down in the history books for the Serie A side.

Understandably, that form has alerted a number of suitors to his possible signature, with Leeds seemingly ahead of Everton and AC Milan in the hunt.

Thankfully for Salernitana, their arrangement with Villarreal gives them the option to make the loan permanent for €12m.

That is an option they intend to take up – and they could instantly more double their money if they decide to cash in.

And while neither Salernitana or the player are pushing for a move, the article suggests a firm offer from Leeds will leave them with little option but to sell.

Any Leeds move, of course, depends on the club avoiding relegation from the Premier League. As it stands, Leeds are are just a point clear of the drop zone, with six games remaining.

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