Good Morning. It's Thursday 19th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds could turn their attention to former Gooner prodigy after Muniz setback
Fulham have reportedly rejected a £32 million bid from Leeds United for their Brazilian striker, Rodrigo Muniz. The offer, structured as £26 million upfront plus £6 million in add-ons, falls far short Fulham elevated valuation of £50m; but Leeds have a back-up plan!
Muniz is regarded within the Fulham hierarchy as one of their most prized assets. His potential and performances have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by West Ham's interest during the January transfer window. While Fulham's current stance is to retain the Brazilian striker this summer, they will be fully aware that he is unsettled by the lack of game time last season, even posting a cryptic social media message last month saying, "They will start to appreciate when I’m no longer here…," before swiftly deleting it.
We are now hearing that Fulham are reportedly monitoring PSG striker Ricardo Pepi, a 22-year-old USA international with 33 caps to his name. Fabrizio Romano suggests that Pepi's acquisition would cost the West London club in the region of £15 million to £20 million. While this figure is significantly lower than their valuation of Muniz, Fulham remain acutely aware of Financial Fair Play restrictions, limiting their spending flexibility.
Despite the initial rejection, Leeds are believed to be willing to increase their offer for Muniz to £35 million. However, this figure still falls considerably short of Fulham's £50 million valuation, creating a significant impasse between the two clubs. Recognizing the potential for negotiations to stall, Leeds have reportedly identified an alternative target in former Gooner Folarin Balogun.
Balogun, 23, is currently with Monaco, but spent much of last season on the treatment table following a series of injuries. He is a right-footed striker celebrated for his intelligent positioning, clinical first-time finishing, and effectiveness in counter-attacking scenarios. Furthermore, he is known for his high pressing and ability to win the ball back in advanced areas of the pitch.
Primarily a centre-forward who thrives on playing on the shoulder of the last defender, Balogun's profile could align well with Leeds' new tactical approach. Having fallen down the pecking order at Louis II Stadium, Leeds may be able to secure his servicesfor between £20m - £25m.
Talks contine for Montenegrin goal poacher
Leeds United are reportedly in advanced talks with Serie A side Lecce for Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstovic. The 25-year-old forward is coming off a productive season in Italy, having bagged 11 goals and 5 assists in just over 3000 minutes of Serie A action.
The Whites are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the new season and Krstovic has emerged as a key target. He is known for his physicality, off-ball movement, and goal-scoring ability, particularly inside the penalty area.
Leece value him at around £20m. While this may seem like a significant investment, it reflects the premium placed on goalscorers in the modern market. Krstovic's impressive goalscoring record for Lecce suggests he could provide a valuable goal poaching threat for Leeds.
However, the deal is not yet sealed. Both Roma and Milan have also thrown their hats into the ring though it's rumoured that Leeds are the only club to have made an official offer thus far. Transfer Guru Gianluca di Marzio has suggested that Leeds are content to meet Leece's demands.
