Leeds United want to sign Finland international Joel Pohjanpalo as they look to reinforce their forward line this summer, according to Corriere Del Veneto.
The Italian newspaper reported in its print edition on Monday (7 August, page 12) that the Whites are one of several Championship teams interested in the 28-year-old Venezia striker, alongside interest in Serie A.
West Ham are interested in the striker who scored 19 goals in 37 Serie B appearances last season, while Daniel Farke’s side are likely to face competition from Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City and Cagliari to secure his services this summer
Leeds have been looking to add to their options up front and the need for a new forward has only been exacerbated after both Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter missed the season opener against Cardiff City with injuries, leaving winger Wilfried Gnonto to lead the line as they drew 2-2 at Elland Road.
Goals guaranteed
Any striker who joins Farke’s ranks this summer needs to guarantee goals as currently, they do seem a little short of clinical options up front, especially after Bamford’s goalscoring form seems to have dried up since his 17-goal debut season in the Premier League.
Pohjanpalo tends to score goals wherever he plays, before his time in Venezia he scored in the Turkish Super Lig and has a similar consistent record throughout his entire career while also being a seasoned international star.
The 28-year-old has played 68 times for the Finnish national team, making his debut at only 18 years old and has scored 14 goals and therefore would offer a level of leadership from the front for Leeds if he were to join.
Standing at just over 6ft 1 the striker will also provide a physical presence that cannot be sniffed at in the Championship, especially when several of Leeds’ wide options are shorter more nimble players.
If they can beat the other Championship clubs to his signature, Pohjanpalo would be a clever signing for Leeds, even if not the most eye-catching.
In other Leeds United news, Saturday’s draw with Cardiff may well cause a transfer spree at Elland Road