Leeds have strengthened several areas this summer, but Daniel Farke still has an obvious gap to fill before the transfer deadline.
The Whites stayed in the Premier League last season and finished 14th, with their switch to a back three helping transform their campaign, but that system also increased the importance of having genuine depth through the middle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of the scoring responsibility and remains the first choice striker at Elland Road. Without another arrival, Leeds would again be heavily reliant on him, particularly when Farke’s formation can require two central attackers.
That issue has grown following Joel Piroe’s departure.
The Suriname international has joined West Ham on an initial season-long loan, leaving Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha as the only senior centre forward options in Farke’s squad.
There is also room for Leeds to become more dangerous from open play. They scored only 26 Premier League goals from open play last season, despite producing a much stronger second half of the campaign.
Harry Wilson’s free transfer from Fulham should add craft and end product around the box. Even so, the Wales international is not a natural number nine and his arrival does not remove the need for another finisher.
Leeds have considered several different forwards during the window.
Lois Openda was among the more ambitious names linked with the club before the Belgian completed a loan move to Lyon, while Club Brugge youngster Nicolò Tresoldi has also been mentioned, although his club’s high valuation makes that route difficult.
Zian Flemming emerged as another reported option after impressing with Burnley, while Troy Parrott previously appeared on the Whites’ radar, but he’s now joined Real Betis.
The search has now brought Leeds back to a striker they know well.
Leeds hold talks over signing Chelsea striker Liam Delap
TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey reports that Leeds have held talks over a possible move for Chelsea forward Liam Delap.
The 23-year-old has been cleared to leave Stamford Bridge after a difficult season, and Chelsea are demanding £40 million. Leeds are now considering whether they can put together a deal at that level.
Bailey adds that Delap wants to continue his career in England and would welcome a return to the north. That preference is also said to have counted against a possible switch to Como.
Everton, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Aston Villa have all asked about his situation, meaning Leeds face serious competition if they decide to move, with the Toffees previously described as leading the race.
Delap’s first season at Chelsea did not go to plan, but his previous Premier League campaign explains the interest. He scored 12 goals in 37 league appearances for Ipswich in 24/25, showing his ability to produce in a side battling near the bottom.
Delap would offer Farke another physical focal point and could compete directly with Calvert-Lewin.
The price remains the major obstacle, and while talks have taken place, Leeds must decide whether Delap is the striker on whom to make their biggest attacking investment of the summer.
