Leeds United transfer news: Rennes set massive Martin Terrier price as Victor Orta eyes double striker swoop
Leeds United have reportedly launched an approach to Rennes with striker Martin Terrier emerging as their leading Plan B option for Charles De Ketelaere.
The Whites have invested heavily this summer, bringing in six new signings to boost their squad. And while these captures have been offset by the sales of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, Leeds still want more. Having sailed so close to relegation last season, they know more quality and quantity is needed.
However, the main signing to elude them so far is a new striker. To that end, Leeds need to provide cover and competition for Patrick Bamford, especially given he only managed 540 minutes of Premier League football last season.
Without him, Leeds did not have a presence up front. Diminutive winger Daniel James struggled when asked to play there, while Rodrigo did not fare too well either.
As such, landing a new centre forward is now the club’s No 1 aim for the summer window.
They have purused Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere as their No 1 target. However, his preference remains in signing for AC Milan. And with more negotiations going on between the sides, the Belgian will likely join the Serie A champions this week.
Leeds, though, will leave their offer on the table in case Milan’s talks go south.
However, rather than wait for disappointment, Leeds are actively pursuing other targets.
As a result, PSG’s striker Arnaud Kalimuendo is emerging as a possibility, with Leeds reportedly closing on a £21m agreement.
However, L’Equipe claims they are also keen on Rennes striker Terrier.
Lofty fee set for Martin Terrier
The 25-year-old striker has been with the Ligue 1 side for the past two seasons, scoring 30 goals in 84 appearances. That tally includes an impressive 21 in 46 games last season, with only Kylian Mbappe and Wissam Ben Yedder outscoring him in all of Ligue 1.
As such, Rennes are not willing to let the striker leave on the cheap.
Having already raided Rennes two years ago for Raphinha for just £17m, the French club are once bitten, twice shy, it would seem.
With that in mind, Rennes are seemingly holding out for a minimum £34m (€40m) before considering his sale. That would more than match the offer Leeds were willing to pay for De Ketelaere. It would also represent a club-record fee for Leeds.
Furthermore, L’Equipe claims Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old. They suggest West Ham are also pursuing the striker as David Moyes also looks to increase his attacking options.
Leeds badly need a new striker
Having scored just 42 times in 38 games last season, it is obvious that Leeds United need more options in attack.
To that end, the club will need a new striker if they are to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles.
Pursuing De Ketelaere does not look like having the result the club are hoping for. As a result, it’s little surprise to see alternatives being lined up.
Martin Terrier certainly looks a feasible option and given his record last season, it would suggest he can score goals in the Premier League. At his age too, he is still to peak.
The Whites, though, are also looking at another striker signing in Sonny Perkins.
The teenager left West Ham at the end of last season, rejecting their advances to sign a new deal.
Leeds have been in pursuit for some time, as we revealed in June.
Now, Fabrizio Romano claims a deal has been agreed to bring Perkins to Leeds. He claims the 18-year-old has already passed a medical with the signing to be announced in due course.
Despite his tender years, he will likely be an option off the bench for Leeds next season. He has three appearances to his name for West Ham, with one of those coming in the Europa League. That appearance made him the club’s second-youngest ever European debutant behind Bobby Barnes.
