By Saikat Mandal

8th Jul, 2022 | 12:40pm

Leeds United battle Newcastle to sign Belgium star Dries Mertens

Leeds United and Newcastle United are showing keen interest in signing Belgium attacking midfielder Dries Mertens, according to Il Mattino.

The Italian newspaper reported on their online edition on 7 July that the Whites have begun to “investigate” the possibility to sign the forward who spent nine seasons at Napoli.

He is without a club after his contract with Napoli expired on 30 June. The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder is waiting for the Naples club while on holiday in Ibiza to offer him a contract renewal.

French club Marseille are also interested in signing him. They can offer him Champions League football but the Whites are also in the hunt for his signature.

Superb addition

This has been an excellent transfer window for the Yorkshire club despite the fact they have lost Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City.

The club have moved quickly to sign proper replacements and bolstered various areas, not just midfield.

It seems they are not done yet with their business. While the possibility of Raphinha leaving the club can’t be ruled out, the club is actively trying to further bolster the forward line.

Mertens would be a cracking signing for the club. At 35, he has only a couple of years left in him, and Leeds must get him on board for free.

He has scored 249 goals in his club career, including 148 goals for Napoli alone. He has also managed 21 goals for his nation in 105 appearances.

He will bring a wealth of quality to the side. But most importantly, Jesse Marsch will have someone who can share loads of experience.

Leeds are building a new project under Marsch, and experienced players like Mertens will add fantastic balance to the side along with so many young talents.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle