Leeds United watch £26.6million target Noah Okafor in person ahead of planned summer exit
Leeds United representatives watched striker target Noah Okafor live on Sunday as Red Bull Salzburg beat Rapid Wien, 90min reports.
The Whites have been linked to the 22-year-old Swiss international since the summer transfer window closed [Calcio Mercato, 7 September] and with his contract set to expire at the end of next season he could be on the move in the summer.
Fabrizio Romano reported via Twitter on 4 February that the player’s “plan is to leave” at the end of the campaign, having decided against a January move despite plenty of interest from England and Germany.
His asking price was set to be at least €30million [£26.6million] if he had gone in the previous window [Calcio Mercato, 2 November] and the Whites went to watch him in person on Sunday (5 March).
Leeds were also there to see teenage sensation Benjamin Sesko, who scored a hat-trick off the bench in the 4-2 win, as the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham scouts also watched on.
While West Ham representatives were in attendance to watch Okafor as well having also been linked to a move.
On the move
In contrast to Sesko who is very much one for the future since his summer move to RB Leipzig is already tied up, Okafor looks to be available imminently.
Staying in the Premier League is clearly a prerequisite to being in a position to make a run at the man who has scored seven league goals so far this year.
But if Javi Gracia can rescue the Whites’ miserable season and keep the £500million 49ers takeover on track then there is likely to be more investment on the cards in line with the January window.
Despite the club record arrival of Georginio Rutter Leeds are still struggling for goals with both Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford injured.
The club would have to convince the Swiss international that they were heading in the right direction after back-to-back relegation battles.
But he would have plenty of familiar faces to put in a good word for Elland Road if he was of a mind to make the move, with Max Wober joining Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen as recent arrivals from Red Bull Salzburg.
In other Leeds United news, Victor Orta is now vulnerable at the club after reported behind-the-scenes disagreements.
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