How much Leeds United must pay to beat Ipswich Town to Carlos Espi deal

Leeds United already know exactly what is needed if they are to sign Levante striker Carlos Espi.

Transfer talk at Elland Road has been dominated by James Trafford over the past week.

However, Leeds will have targets in mind for other positions heading into the final month of the transfer window.

MOT Leeds News relayed news on Monday that Espi is now on Leeds' list of striker options.

Leeds have yet to advance that interest with an offer, but they may have to move fast.

That is amid a fresh update emerging on the talented striker, who is a player in demand this summer.

Carlos Espi release clause details emerge

Leeds are the latest Premier League side to be linked with the 21-year-old attacker.

Newly promoted duo Ipswich Town and Hull City are also in for Espi, with the former believed to be ahead in the race.

According to El Chiringuito journalist German Munoz via X on Monday, Ipswich and Hull - as well as Serie A side Bologna - are prepared to trigger Espi's release clause.

That is reported to be €25million (£21.4m), which it must be said is a reasonable sum for a player on Espi's trajectory.

He scored 11 goals in 25 LaLiga matches last season and was voted Player of the Month in March.

The key to this update is that, while Ipswich, Hull and Bologna are prepared to pay that sum, no team has yet done so.

And it means Leeds can steal a march if they are able to find those funds.

Leeds given reminder of why new striker is imperative

Dominic Calvert-Lewin enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign at Elland Road.

The former Everton striker managed to keep himself fit for most of it, which has not always been the case.

However, Calvert-Lewin is already nursing an injury in pre-season and Daniel Farke will know he cannot overly rely on the striker.

Espi could complement Calvert-Lewin, or indeed be used as more of a rotational option.

For the fee quoted, it is surely a risk worth taking for the Whites as they look to fine-tune their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season beginning.