Leeds United have been in the hunt for new attackers to add to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, with currently only two senior strikers in the first-team.
Last season’s top scorer, Joel Piroe, and new signing Lukas Nmecha are the only senior forwards in Daniel Farke’s current plans, with youngster Harry Gray providing the back-up as third choice.
Several names have been linked with Leeds in recent weeks, with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Callum Wilson previously being considered alongside Roma striker Artem Dovbyk.
With such limited time before the new Premier League season, the Whites are looking to get forwards over the line, but one previously available striker could now be made unavailable, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Gonzalo Garcia will remain at Real Madrid and not join Leeds United
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Real Madrid are in negotiations with Gonzalo Garcia to sign a new deal with the club.
This decision comes following a successful Club World Cup campaign for the young prospect and indicates that Xabi Alonso has big plans for the striker in his setup.
Leeds had been linked with the Spaniard at the beginning of the summer transfer window, with the Whites proposing a potential loan move for Garcia.
Whilst the deal would have likely been difficult due to the player’s wage demands and the stature of leaving a club like Real Madrid, the club may have felt confident that the lure of first-team Premier League football would get the deal over the line.
Garcia is likely to compete with Kylian Mbappe for a regular spot in Alonso’s team, and leaves the Whites desperate to find a new option to add some more firepower up front.
With a new contract and a new shirt number reflecting his status in the team, it now seems unlikely he will end up at Leeds.
Who could Leeds United bring in as a striker
Farke has been very vocal about Leeds pursuing attacking signings in the transfer window, but is left with an ever-thinning list of options for his side.
Rodrigo Muniz has been a regular name of discussion, and the Whites were boosted by Atalanta’s failed bid to sign the Brazilian, who fell short of a reported asking price of £43.5 million.
Leeds have a reported £70 million still available to spend, but are hesitant to bow to Fulham’s demands and could move on to other targets if a deal before the end of the window looks unfeasible.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Mehdi Taremi have been recently touted for a move to Elland Road, but both candidates are past 30 years old and carry a heavy wage from Al Hilal and Inter Milan, respectively.
Whereas Garcia may have been an achievable loan signing for the club, it is unlikely that Farke will look for a short-term fix to his Leeds side, with most of the German’s signings having future potential and a considerable sell-on value.