Leeds Utd transfer news: Two quality attackers considered with Patrick Bamford under threat amid claims £30m bid is planned
Leeds United are ready to decide on their No 1 attacking top target for the January window with the club reportedly mulling between two big-name options to bid on.
The Whites have endured an inconsistent campaign to date and sit in 15th going into the break for the World Cup. They have, though, shown what they are capable of, beating Chelsea 3-0 in August and claiming a stunning 2-1 win at Liverpool at the end of October. In doing so, they came the first side to win a Premier League game at Anfield in front of a crowd since the 2016/17 season.
However, Leeds are dogged by inconsistency. A 4-3 home win over Bournemouth recently was followed with a 4-3 reverse at Tottenham. And while their issues appear to lie in defence, it is in attack where they have often looked short. Indeed, their failure to convert a number of gilt-edged chances has cost them dear over the season so far.
As such, the club are reportedly considering a bid to strengthen their attacking options in the January window. The main concern for Leeds remains the form and fitness of Patrick Bamford.
The one-time capped England striker is closing on a calendar year without a goal. And while he has been dogged by a string of fitness issues in that time, Leeds have come to rely on Rodrigo Moreno. Indeed, the nine goals in 13 appearances he has to his name represent easily his best season yet at Elland Road.
But Rodrigo is out of contract in 2024 and Leeds face a big decision over his future.
Regardless of what happens to the Spaniard, Leeds are reportedly considering their options ahead of the January window.
Leeds look at two attacking options
And reportedly at the top of Leeds’ wishlist is Club Brugge forward Noa Lang. The 23-year-old is part of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad and has long been on Leeds’ radar.
They looked at him long and hard during Marcelo Bielsa’s time in charge, ultimately deciding instead to move for Dan James.
James has since departed on a season’s loan to Fulham – and it seems there is no way back for the Wales international.
While favouring the wings, Lang can also operate in a cental attacking position – making him a favourable option for Leeds.
And with Brugges open to his sale in January, Leeds are reportedly considering a £30m offer for his services.
Now transfer journalist Dean Jones has confirmed Leeds will likely push the button on that deal. However, speaking to Givemesport, he claims they face competition from up to 12 other teams.
“They probably will be in the race when the time comes,” Jones said.
“But, Noa Lang’s got this global reputation, whereby probably 10, 12 teams are watching Noa Lang at the moment, just waiting to decide whether it’s time to push the button and actually go through with a bid for a player who’s got such potential.”
Leeds also considering Brazil star
United are also reportedly on the trail of another long-standing target in Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian has been cleared to leave Atletico Madrid after they crashed out of the Champions League and European competition altogether.
Having cost them an initial £22m from Hertha Berlin, they are willing to let him leave for a fee of around £30m.
Like Rodrigo, Cunha is more of a deep-lying attacker who likes to operate centrally.
And after failing to score in 17 appearances for Atleti this season, he also appears low on confidence.
Despite that, Cunha has never been prolific. The 23-year-old has a record of 39 goals in 178 appearances across his time in Switzerland, Germany and Spain.
His best ever season was the 10 goals in 32 appearances for Swiss side Sion in the 2017/18 season.
By comparison, Lang has 47 career goals in 169 career appearances.
READ MORE: Leeds learn Raphael Guerreiro transfer fate as Borussia Dortmund reach January decision
