Joel Piroe source shares Leeds exit certainty as Martin O’Neill holds crunch Celtic talks
Joel Piroe continues to be linked with a move to Celtic ahead of the winter transfer window closing.
Piroe was touted as a target for Celtic on Friday amid separate reports that Leeds are showing an interest in Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The striker has struggled for minutes since Leeds returned to the Premier League, having started just two games so far.
Leicester City are also eyeing Piroe in what would be a surprise move, but some clarity has now been shared on the Dutchman’s future.
Leeds have no intention of loaning out Joel Piroe
Graham Smyth reported on Friday that Piroe wants to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place, while Leeds are not pushing to offload him.
And in a fresh update via the Daily Record’s print edition on Saturday, via a source close to Piroe, it was reported it is certain Leeds will not let Piroe leave on loan.
The same reports adds that while Matin O’Neill did hold transfer talks with Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay on Friday, rumours of Piroe being wanted at Celtic are wide of the mark.
While it is true the former Swansea City player’s future is uncertain, it now seems certain he will not be allowed to leave on loan.
Piroe is into his third season at Elland Road and has scored 33 goals in 98 appearances in all competitions for the Whites.
Leeds have simple call to make on Piroe
Piroe failed to impress in Leeds’ win over Derby County last weekend when given a rare start by Daniel Farke.
In many ways, though, that is to be expected as he has not played enough football this season.
Piroe has zero goals and assists in all competitions this term, but the stop-start nature of his season has not helped.
| Games | Minutes played | G & A |
| Leeds 1-2 Aston Villa | 10 | 0 |
| Leeds 3-1 Chelsea | 4 | 0 |
| Leeds 3-3 Liverpool | 3 | 0 |
| Leeds 4-1 Crystal Palace | 3 | 0 |
| Leeds 1-1 Man United | 3 | 0 |
The bottom line is that Piroe is still a useful option for Farke to call upon from the substitutes’ bench and there is no reason to actively look to sell.
It may well be that the 26-year-old seeks a move away in the summer, but for now Leeds have a pretty simple call to make on Piroe, which is to keep him and ensure Farke has sufficient depth in attack.
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