‘I’m told’ – Leeds journalist delivers update after Whites bid confirmed for 23-goal striker
Leeds United are no longer pursuing a deal for Gent striker Jonathan David, according to Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross.
Gent chairman Ivan De Witte revealed the interest from Leeds when he said that the Whites had made a better offer for the player than Lille had. [Voetbalkrant]
And it seems that David was on a list of wanted players at Leeds but the club now feel he is set on a move to the French side.
Writing on Leeds Live on Wednesday afternoon, Cross said, “I’m told David was on a longer list of forwards the club was looking at, but he’s so far down the track with Lille, United are no longer pursuing him at this stage.”
That doesn’t completely close the door on a deal but it looks like Leeds are now looking elsewhere for a striker to sit alongside Patrick Bamford in the Premier League.
The interesting take from this is that David is a player who Gent value at £27m. Lille had previously had a £23m offer rejected for the player who’s scored 23 goals this season.
If Leeds did put a better offer in, then they’re looking at a striker around the £20m-£25m level, more than they were going to pay for Jean-Kevin Augustin.
That deal hasn’t been sorted yet but it seems unlikely that Augustin will end up at Elland Road.
Who would we like to see? Callum Wilson or Josh King from Bournemouth would fit the bill and we know Bielsa was at the Everton v Bournemouth game, the last match for the south coast club before they got relegated.
We think the player should ideally be tried-and-tested in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Improved beyond recognition’ – Adrian Durham hails ‘terrific’ Leeds star who was ‘truly awful’