(Credit: Imago)

Leeds United 'ready Calvert-Lewin transfer' after Nikola Krstovic twist

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

05 Jul 2025, 5:00 am

Leeds United are in pursuit of a goalscorer to aid their Premier League survival push next season.

Daniel Farke already has the Championship Golden Boot winner in Joel Piroe, but doubts remain over his top-flight credentials.

Leeds have signed Lukas Nmecha from VfL Wolfsburg on a free transfer, but the Peacocks want more.

The Whites have been working on a deal with Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin may have just taken centre stage at Elland Road.

Piroe bagged 19 league goals last season (Credit: Imago)

Krstovic makes preference known after Leeds United negotiations

Leeds have long been pursuing a deal for Krstovic, with reports that Lecce have been searching for a replacement for the Montenegrin.

Further reports suggested that the Elland Road outfit had reached an agreement in principle of £19.6million for Krstovic.

However, the Yorkshire club have now been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who bagged 11 Serie A goals last season.

Nikola Krstovic's 2024/25 Serie A statistics	Total
Appearances	37
Goals	11
Expected goals (xG)	12.05
Goal conversion	8%
Assists	5
Big chances created	5

Krstovic was a regular fixture for Lecce (Sofascore)

That is because AS Roma are now interested in Krstovic, and he has thus frozen out negotiations with Leeds, according to Corriere dello Sport (5 July).

The Italian newspaper reports that the forward dreams of wearing the Roma number nine shirt, which Tammy Abraham has vacated.

The Italian outlet adds that Krstovic has told the Peacocks that he would like to play in a European competition.

Now, Leeds have turned to free agent Calvert-Lewin, although there have been conflicting reports on a move for the former Everton man.

Leeds have been linked with Calvert-Lewin (Credit: Imago)

Leeds have a striker dilemma amid Krstovic news

With Krstovic's heart not set on Elland Road, Leeds must have a rethink regarding new targets.

While Calvert-Lewin has been mooted, there are concerns over how high his wages could be and his fitness record after leaving Everton.

Last season, the 28-year-old only bagged three league goals in 19 starts and showed signs of decline at Goodison Park.

Furthermore, it is estimated that he earned substantially more than the Whites' highest earner, Patrick Bamford.

On the face of it, there seem to be too many red flags to suggest that the newly promoted side would sanction a move for Calvert-Lewin.

Things can change quickly in the transfer window, though.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Nikola Krstovic