Why Parma have got their wish on Zion Suzuki as Leeds United get desperate

Leeds United's need for a new goalkeeper has ramped up tenfold in the space of a day amid ongoing links with Zion Suzuki.

It was reported on Thursday that Karl Darlow is set to join Manchester United following the expiration of his contract at Elland Road.

Darlow was offered a new deal by Leeds, as well as being approached by Everton, but he has seemingly elected for Old Trafford instead.

This came on the same day that Illan Meslier was announced as an Arsenal player, albeit it was already known he was not staying at Leeds.

That leaves just Lucas Perri, who is not fancied by Daniel Farke, as the Whites ready themselves for their pre-season campaign.

And it means the ball is very much now in Parma's court when it comes to the future of Suzuki, amid a new update coming out of Italy.

Parma licking their lips as Zion Suzuki Premier League-bound

Leeds have been linked heavily with Suzuki for the past month or so now, coinciding with his impressive displays at the World Cup.

MOT Leeds News exclusively reported last week that Leeds were leading the race to sign Suzuki.

However, Aston Villa's interest has since complicated matters as they are likely in the market for a replacement for Juventus-bound Emi Martinez.

Gazzetta dello Sport's print edition reports on Friday that Parma are fully accepting Suzuki is moving on this summer.

The question is which of the Premier League clubs he will join, with a fee of around £27million being set.

The factor behind Suzuki's rising fee

That figure is higher than what has previously been reported - and it is only likely to climb.

A few factors are at work here. First, Suzuki impressed at the World Cup - instantly a few extra millions.

Two Premier League clubs going in for the same player also aids the transfer fee.

That is not to mention the fact Leeds are now pretty desperate for a goalkeeper, while Villa are pretty much in that boat too once Martinez goes.

Parma are no doubt loving the situation that is playing out, knowing they are set to make a huge profit.

All Leeds will care about is getting to the 23-year-old's signature first, if indeed he is - as seems likely - their number one choice.