What Joel Piroe has now told Leeds United bosses as Rangers line up last-minute raid
Joel Piroe’s Leeds United future will remain a hot topic of debate right until the winter transfer window closes.
The 26-year-old’s lack of playing time in the Premier League this season has understandably led to questions being asked.
Piroe has played just 208 minutes of top-flight action, while he has yet to score or assist in any of his 12 appearances – mainly as a substitute.
Leeds would rather not sell Piroe this window, and the soon-to-be Suriname international has not been actively pushing to leave.
That is despite clubs such as Ipswich Town and Birmingham City showing an interest in Piroe, who is prolific at Championship level.
Leeds continue to brace themselves for more bids for Piroe, with Rangers the most recent side to show an interest.
Joel Piroe stance remains clear on Leeds United exit
Piroe is clearly a man in demand and would be forgiven for pushing for an exit from Elland Road before next Monday’s deadline.
According to Daily Record’s print edition on Friday, Piroe remains a target for Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.
It is reported that Rangers are lining up a last-minute raid for the former Swansea City striker, should they miss out on Hansa Rostock’s Ryan Naderi.
A £2.6m bid has already been lodged for Naderi, but the German third-tier side initially rejected that offer earlier this week.
However, the same report adds that Piroe has told Leeds bosses that he still wants to stay and fight for his place under Daniel Farke.
Sources close to Piroe add that he has not given up on winning a regular starting spot in the remaining four months of the season.
The obvious elephant in the room regarding Piroe and Rangers
There is of course a strong connection between Leeds and Rangers these days due to the 49ers owning both sides.
That is why the 49ers swiftly knocked back Celtic’s advances for Piroe earlier in the window – the Hoops being Rangers’ fiercest rivals.
It is hard to determine, though, which side that favours. On the face of it, Paraag Marathe may consider getting Piroe on board for Rangers a massive coup.
But at the same time, he is not pushing to leave Leeds and the Whites are not actively looking to sell him right now.
Ultimately, if Farke is against the sale and – more importantly – Piroe does not fancy packing his bags, then it is worth putting this one aside until the summer.
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