Leeds striker target, who is his league’s second top scorer, drops ‘see what happens’ tease as West Ham lurk

One of English football’s most prolific strikers has opened up on the possibility of a move to the Premier League this summer with both Leeds United and West Ham keen on a deal.

The Whites and the Hammers are currently two of nine sides embroiled in what looks a tense fight to avoid relegation this season. For Leeds, this is their second successive campaign trying to avoid the drop. And they will be hoping to make life a little more comfortable for themselves this time around after last season’s dramatic final-day escape.

For David Moyes’ Hammers, however, this is a thoroughly-new experience. They finished sixth (2020/21) and seventh (2021/22) in the previous two campaigns, with their fall from grace coming as something of a surprise.

And having spent vast sums over the summer, much better was expected from the Moyes’ side.

Their main issue this season has, most certainly, been scoring goals. And with just 24 goals scored in their 26 games to date, it’s not hard to see why they have struggled.

That will be a big disappointment to Moyes, given the pricey £35.5m fee paid to Sassuolo for Gianluca Scamacca. Indeed, the Italian has struggled, scoring just three Premier League goals all season.

As a result, it’s little surprise to see him linked with a return to Serie A with another Italy hero now being eyed.

Leeds have improved in front of goal this season, but have not quite got the results their performances deserve. However, a resounding 4-2 win at Wolves last time out will give them belief heading into the last third of the season.

Nonetheless, both sides are keen to strengthen their attacks going into next season.

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Viktor Gyokeres calm on Leeds, West Ham links

One man that both sides are casting admiring glances towards is Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden striker has plundered in 19 goals in 39 appearances this season, making him the Championship’s second top scorer.

Indeed, with a record of 37 goals in 86 games since joining the Sky Blues, it’s easy to see why he is a man in demand.

That chase is seemingly being led by Leeds, who we revealed back in February was on their summer wishlist.

However, there is strong interest too from the Hammers as Moyes looks to beef up his attacking options next season.

The striker underlined his growing reputation with a goal and an assist in Sweden’s 5-0 win over Azerbaijan on Monday.

That said, despite the growing admiration in him, he’s adamant he’s not yet thinking about a move just yet, though his stance may change when the window opens.

“These are just rumours. We’ll see what happens in the summer,” he told Fotboll Skanalen.

“I try not to get any info about it right now. I want to focus on the matches. So, you have to take it then.

“There is no transfer window now. So, it feels a little unnecessary to put energy on it now.”

Coventry asking big money for Gyokeres

Coventry will be loathe to lose the striker but will not be able to resist a big-money offer. To that end, they will hope a potential bidding war between Leeds, West Ham and fellow suitors Everton could drive up his asking price.

They are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £20m – £25m for the 24-year-old. And that fee appears well within the price range of the Premier League trio.

That sort of cash could prove a lifeline for Coventry. Indeed, the Sky Blues have fallen on hard times over the past 20 years. Now on their way back, though, they are firmly established as a Championship side after several years in the doldrums.

The sale of the Swede will help the club reinvest and possibly push even nearer towards the play-offs next season.

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