{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Report: Leeds close on another big 8-figure signing after high-level talks over 'dangerous' star
Leeds United are homing in on another eight-figure signing and “hope to unveil” FC Utrecht striker Gyrano Kerk as a Leeds player this week, according to the Mirror.
In its live transfer blog on Saturday night (22.47), the Mirror claimed that “high-level” talks have taken place over the weekend between Leeds and FC Utrecht.
It claims that Marcelo Bielsa watched Kerk personally before lockdown this year and is now set to pounce on a player who has been called “dangerous” by former Utrecht manager, now head coach at Ajax, Ten Hag.
Hag said: “Gyrano’s style really suits English football. He has pace, he is strong and he is a dangerous player once he gets a bit of space in the counter-attack.”
Beam him up
Dan James and Ryan Kent might be more well-known names but Kerk could be the man who adds even more depth to the Leeds attack.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
He was certainly prolific last season, scoring 10 goals in just 24 Eredivisie games last season. He played on the right but also as a striker for Utrecht and got 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Kerk can play across all three attacking positions and could provide cover for Jack Harrison, with the left-winger unable to play in next week’s game against Man City.
He’ll inject even more pace into the Leeds attack as well and is said to be the fastest player in the Eredivisie.
Kerk was the subject of big Celtic interest earlier in the window and Utrecht were braced for interest after his agent Richinel Bryson said: “Movement in the transfer market has been held up because of the coronavirus crisis, but it’s back now.
“I have been in plenty of Zoom conversations with big foreign clubs. Gyrano has proved he’s ready for the next step, although it’s not a foregone conclusion that he will leave. But he is very ambitious. He is 24 years old and has had a very strong season.”
Leeds still want to bolster the midfield and a £10m deal for Kerk could be cheap enough to still battle for Leeds fans number one want, Rodrigo De Paul.
Kerk’s wages won’t be an issue. He’s reported to be on just £3,200-a-week at Utrecht.
Kerk would follow Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Rodrigo as new eight-figure signings this summer.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Gulp’, ‘This might just be happening’ – Many Leeds fans excited by Di Marzio transfer update