Good Morning. It's Thursday 29th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds happy to play the waiting game
Selhurst Park sources insist that Crystal Palace are prepared to wait for a £40 million offer for their French International hitman Jean‑Philippe Mateta, and they remain confident that his professionalism will not be called into question should a move fail to materialise. With Mateta entering the final year of his contract this summer, his list of suitors is likely to swell; then take into consideration the World Cup. If he does well, the world is his oyster, and even with 12 months left on his terms, Palace are still likely to pocket a significant ammount of money.
Leeds United and Crystal Palace have both been linked with Norway International Jørgen Strand Larsen, but Palace are only interested if Mateta departs. Transfer rumours indicate that Leeds remain the only other club that are currently competing for Strand Larsen’s signature. This dynamic may explain why 49ers Enterprises - the investment vehicle behind Leeds’ spending, has so far refrained from submitting a second offer for the Norwegian forward.
Despite publicly stated that they are under no pressure to sell, Wolves will have to navigate the financial fallout of relegation. Getting best price for your stars once you've been relegated would be as challenging as a successful Trump rally in Minnesota right now. It has been a week since Leeds put a package together worth between £35m-£39m (depending on the source you believe) and remains to be seen whether they bridge the gap, or play the waiting game.
Ipswich Town make Piroe top target
Leeds pursuit of a high-profile striker has sparked speculation about Joel Piroe. While the 26yo has made fleeting appearances this season, his growing absence from key moments, particularly recently has raised eyebrows. Manager Daniel Farke’s apparent focus on strengthening the attacking line suggests a shift in priorities, with Piroe increasingly viewed as not good enough than a solution. Despite earlier assurances from both the club and Piroe that an imminent January exit was not a priority, the emergence of interest from sides like Ipswich Town may soon test that resolve.
Adding weight to the speculation, International Transfer Specialist Ekrem Konur revealed to The Breakfast Debate that Piroe tops the Tractor Boys’ most-wanted list, with one speculative souce even suggesting a £22m bid. Much will depend on whether Leeds manage to land Strand Larsen, or at least a player of his ilk. Ipswich will know that fringe clubs from all around Europe will be keeping an eye on Piroe as the clock ticks down, so perhaps an offer in the regio of £20m isn't too far away after all!
