Joel Piroe set to start for Swansea as Leeds United still want new transfer
Leeds United transfer target Joel Piroe is expected to start in Swansea’s game against Birmingham City on 5 August despite interest from several clubs, according to BBC Sport.
It has been shared via their website on 3 August that the Welsh club are yet to receive a bid for the Dutch forward, despite interest from Leeds, Leicester and Atalanta.
The Swans’ manager, Michael Duff confirmed that there had been no offers, also revealing that Piroe will remain in his plans until he is given a solid reason to think otherwise, while speaking ahead of their season opener.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Duff confirmed: “I’ve had conversations with Joel, there’s been no bids. Until there’s a bid, he’s our player. He’s been absolutely top-drawer the way he’s gone about it all.”
Leeds could ramp up their chase after recent developments
Despite Duff’s confidence in keeping his star striker in South Wales, Leeds could step up their interest in the coming days after both the club’s striker options, Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter, picked up injuries in their pre-season fixture against Hearts.
It has since been shared by Beren Cross of Leeds Live [3 August] that the club are now actively pursuing a deal for a striker, with Piroe high up on their list of potential targets having been linked throughout the summer.
Swansea are set to kick off their season with Piroe leading the line in their Championship opener against Birmingham, and they will be hoping he sticks around to put up the numbers he has consistently provided, with 44 goals scored in the last two seasons.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds will back up their long-standing interest in the Dutchman with a formal bid for his services, but they will have to move quickly if they are to avoid missing out.
In other Leeds United news, one key player could be set to ditch the club before the season begins.