Leeds United ‘insist’ on Sory Kaba against Watford and Cardiff City as rival first bid is tabled in transfer race
Leeds United are among the clubs “insisting the most” in the race to sign FC Midtjylland striker Sory Kaba this summer, according to UDLasPalmas.net.
The Whites scouted the Guinean international last season while he was on loan at Cardiff [Football League World, 5 June], with the Bluebirds also in the running this time around, along with Championship rivals Watford.
But it is La Liga side Las Palmas who have made the first bid for the 27-year-old, although his Danish employers have rejected it.
According to UD Las Palmas a second offer is likely on the cards as Kaba apparently wants to play for the club and return to Spain – he previously spent three seasons with Elche.
But the report notes that the “power of English football is high” and that the scorer of eight Championship goals in 17 appearances for Cardiff last term doesn’t yet know where he will be next season.
With a year left on his deal Carlton Palmer had previously suggested [Football League World, 9 June] the fee should “not be too crazy” for a forward he believes can be a “20 goal a season man” in the second tier and would be a “viable” option for Leeds United.
Pressing
It looks like Las Palmas are taking the initiative in this race but the Whites are firmly involved, so with the 49ers takeover now sealed it could be the catalyst for them to put money on the table.
Ethan Ampadu’s £7million arrival is expected imminently as the first senior signing for Daniel Farke’s promotion push, and plenty more is on the agenda before the window closes.
Striker has long been a need at Elland Road despite the huge money splashed out on Georginio Rutter in January, and Kaba has proven he can perform in the Championship.
If Palmer’s verdict is accurate then Paraag Marathe would need to be banging down Midtjylland’s door to try to convince the Guinea international to come back to England.
Patrick Bamford’s future is in question and Rodrigo has already left, so while Mateo Joseph and possibly Sonny Perkins might be in line to step up, and Joe Gelhardt can lead the line if forced, a new senior striker looks necessary.
Kaba shouldn’t break the bank considering his contract status and the fact that his club let him leave on loan last season, so if the Whites are serious about this pursuit the door looks to be open to make a concerted push.
In other Leeds United news, the new chairman has dropped a major hint on the status of a star man who has been heavily linked with an exit this summer.