Leeds United target golden opportunity to sign Moussa Dembele from Lyon
Leeds United are now in the race to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele when his contract expires in the summer, according to Todo Fichajes.
The French forward is available at the end of the season when his deal runs out and represents a “golden opportunity” for the Whites to secure a number nine with Patrick Bamford so often unavailable.
Georginio Rutter was signed at great expense in the January transfer window to boost the attacking options, but is not an out-an-out striker, so the free transfer addition of the former Fulham and Celtic man is reportedly being targeted.
The 26-year-old, who has scored 140 senior goals, including 70 across his four and a half years with the Ligue 1 side, has been no stranger to Premier League interest with the likes of Everton, Southampton and Aston Villa vying for him last summer.
Value
It goes without saying that anything in the transfer market is going to rely hugely on Premier League survival once again, with the club currently 19th in the top flight.
Javi Gracia’s appointment has finally been made to restore some stability and lead the charge out of the relegation zone.
But with the Spaniard yet to even take training amid delays to his work permit application there is nothing guaranteed for the next three months of fixtures.
But if the former Watford boss can have the desired effect there is likely to be movement in the transfer market in the summer, with the squad fitted heavily to match Jesse Marsch.
So whether Gracia keeps Leeds United up and gets a long-term deal or the board returns for Andoni Iraola or one of their original preferences the manager will likely want additions of his own.
And so, with a glut of attacking options but only one senior centre-forward in Bamford there is certainly logic in adding a proven goalscorer who won’t require a transfer fee.
Dembele’s three goals this season represent a down campaign, but he had 22 last season and still has age on his side.
In other Leeds United news, Jim White has mooted “problems on the horizon” already for Gracia at Elland Road.