Leeds check on exciting striker Esteban Lepaul as January transfer one to watch

Leeds United have been keeping tabs on Esteban Lepaul's impressive rise in France.

The 26-year-old has scored 37 goals in Ligue 1 since the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

That form, which includes three goals in six matches this campaign for Rennes, earned Lepaul his first France call-up this past international break.

Lepaul made his debut against Turkiye two weeks ago and started France's home and away wins against Belgium.

Zinedine Zidane has been impressed and so have numerous Premier League sides, Leeds among them.

And it may well be that the exciting striker is on the move in the coming months.

What's been said about Leeds' interest in Esteban Lepaul?

Lepaul is fast becoming one of Europe's hottest talents thanks to his scoring streak for Angers and now Rennes.

The fact he is now a full France international means he will be on the radar of plenty of clubs.

As per TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of the sides who checked on the striker in the summer, when his reputation was perhaps not quite as high as it is right now.

Leeds are credited with being interested in Lepaul, along with Aston Villa and Everton, the latter of whom currently lead the race for his signature.

The report adds that, despite Lepaul signing a new deal in the summer, a January exit at Rennes is "one to watch".

What is Esteban Lepaul's valuation?

It goes without saying that Lepaul will cost more now than he would have done a few months back.

A new contract, combined with France recognition, has added millions to his price tag.

Transfermarkt, which is pretty accurate when it comes to valuing players, has Lepaul down in the region of £38million.

That, it must be said, is a fair fee for a player who has showed what he is capable of in one of Europe's top five leagues.

It is not clear if Leeds are still in the mix for Lepaul, but if - as this report states - Everton are the team out in front, there is no reason why the Whites cannot leapfrog the Toffees for his signature.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin may be undisputed first choice for now, but some competition and back-up would not go amiss.