Leeds next steps outlined as Strand Larsen close to staggering £50m Wolves exit
Leeds’ efforts to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen appear to be in vain.
It’s been no secret that Leeds have been after Strand Larsen‘s signature before the 2 February deadline.
Leeds had seen a £39million bid for Strand Larsen rejected over the last few days, with Daniel Farke and the Whites hierarchy evidently showing how much they want the Norwegian striker.
Strand Larsen is understood to have been keen on a move to Leeds, with the 25-year-old clearly holding little interest in the inevitable prospect of Championship football at Molineux.
Crystal Palace blow Leeds out the water for Jorgen Strand Larsen
So far, Facundo Buonanotte remains Leeds’ only senior signing of this winter window, leading some Whites supporters to become frustrated at the lack of incomings.
Paraag Marathe has come in for criticism as a result of this, with many of the opinion that a couple of quality new additions this winter would be enough to see Farke’s side comfortably pull away from the threat of relegation.
However, that’s not yet happened, and now Leeds look set to be dealt their biggest transfer blow of the winter so far.
On Thursday morning, it was reported that Crystal Palace were stepping up their interest in Strand Larsen.
Unfortunately for Leeds, we now know by just how much, as The Athletic and David Ornstein have reported that Palace are close to a reaching a verbal agreement to sign Strand Larsen.
It’s reported that the deal will be £45m as an initial fee, plus £5m in add-ons, taking the overall package to a frankly staggering £50m.
Ornstein states that despite an official bid not yet being on the table from Palace, discussions are at an “advanced” stage regarding the transfer fee, as well as personal terms for the player.
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How Leeds will respond to Crystal Palace’s Strand Larsen move
Farke and Leeds now may have to go back to the drawing board over their pursuit of a striker, and with only days of the window remaining, that’s far from ideal.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to think that the Whites may simply go all in on Strand Larsen even after Palace’s proposed deal for him, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Ornstein reports that whilst Leeds will continue to monitor the situation and aren’t totally giving up, they are unwilling to go above the £40m mark for Strand Larsen.
As such, Palace are now firm favourites to land his signature, but Elland Road chiefs will be positioning themselves to strike if a deal falls through at Selhurst Park for whatever reason.
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