What Leeds' new Zion Suzuki approach says about 49ers Enterprises involvement in transfers

Leeds United have contacted Parma over a deal for goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Suzuki, 23, has emerged as a top target for the Whites as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his options in goal ahead of the 202

Last summer saw Lucas Perri arrive from Lyon. However, after struggling to adapt in England's top flight, the Brazilian eventually lost his place in the starting line-up to Karl Darlow and didn't play again in the league since a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle in January.

Now, Leeds' attention has turned towards signing a younger goalkeeper with international profile and connections to the USA in Suzuki, suggesting the 49ers might be pulling the strings behind a potential deal.

And now seems like the perfect time to land a deal for the Parma shot-stopper with Japan, his national team, dropping out of the World Cup on Monday following a 2-1 loss to Brazil.

Plus, a new update suggests that Leeds' interest in Suzuki is more concrete than first thought.

Fabrizio Romano offers new update on Leeds' Zion Suzuki pursuit

Writing on time2play on Wednesday, Romano reported that Leeds have made an approach to sign Suzuki from Parma.

According to the Italian journalist, Aston Villa "have also called" for the New Jersey-born Japan No 1, while other clubs in the Premier League may also post an interest in a deal this summer.

Interestingly, Romano adds that Suzuki has decided that he would like to make a move to England before the start of next season, which further boosts Leeds' chances of a deal.

But what is it about Suzuki that makes him so appealing to 49ers Enterprises?

Why Suzuki fits the kind of player that's now wanted by Leeds

Suzuki ticks a lot of boxes for the 49ers.

At 23, he's young - three years younger than Illan Meslier, who's left Elland Road this summer due to his contract expiring.

This means that the former Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper has resale value.

However, there is some risk with that because it's been reported that Leeds are going to have to bid around £25million to sign him from Parma. If he doesn't perform as well as the Whites hope, there could be a heavy loss at the end of it all.

But there are other things.

There's the commercial aspect of signing a Japan international, something which the 49ers would have been thinking of when they landed Suzuki's international teammate Ao Tanaka two years ago.

He was also born in the USA - and we all know how the 49ers have kept a keen eye on players and managers of that demographic during their time as owners.

But while Leeds want Suzuki, would Suzuki want Leeds with interest from elsewhere?

Why Leeds are in position of power

Leeds' main competition at this stage seems to be Aston Villa, but the Whites have the upper-hand over their Premier League rivals in the bid to sign Suzuki.

As it stands, Perri and Alex Cairns are the only senior goalkeepers under contract at Elland Road.

Meslier has gone and while talks have continued to keep Darlow, the Welshman's existing terms have now expired and he's free to move elsewhere.

That means Leeds' number one spot is pretty much open thanks to how poorly Perri performed last season.

But at Villa Park, Argentina's Emi Martinez is still in place, despite speculation linking him with a move away.

That alone could put Leeds in a commanding position to get Suzuki to choose them over the West Midlands club.