Leeds want to sign 46-cap striker with 48 PL goals, would take club-record fee – report
Leeds United would have to pay a club-record fee of £30million to agree a deal with Bournemouth for striker Josh King, according to the Express.
The newspaper reports that Leeds are among a number of clubs who want to sign the 28-year-old forward this summer following Bournemouth’s relegation to the Championship.
West Ham, Everton and several European clubs are also interested in the 46-times Norway international, who scored six goals in 26 Premier League appearances for the Cherries last season.
The Express adds that Bournemouth want £30million for King – a fee which we highly doubt that Leeds would be willing to pay.
So far, Leeds have only offered up to £25million for Ben White [Sky Sports] and he is widely reported to be Marcelo Bielsa’s number one target this summer.
While a new striker needs to be added to the squad ahead of next season, £30million for King would be excessive.
The former Manchester United striker has scored 48 goals in 161 Premier League appearances in his career and has dug Bournemouth out of a lot of holes during his spell at the Vitality Stadium.
The Norwegian forward is certainly good enough for the Premier League but is he good enough to be a new record signing for Leeds at £30million? We doubt it.
There are other players out there who Leeds will believe represent better value for money and signing a player from a relegated club for that much is not going to be something Andrea Radrizzani would be happy with.
Bournemouth might soften their stance towards the end of the transfer window but Leeds are perhaps better off signing someone sooner rather than later due to Patrick Bamford being the only senior option Bielsa has right now.
In other Leeds United news, this is how the club is likely to be punished for accepting the FA’s charge.