Leeds United have exactly four weeks to conclude their transfer business and all eyes are on attacking reinforcements. First-team additions in defence and midfield are just about sorted but further forward, only free agent striker Lukas Nmecha has arrived while Manor Solomon’s return to Tottenham Hotspur has weakened the wide options.
Marquee additions are expected between now and September 1, with known interest in Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz and a lengthy pursuit of Igor Paixão proving unsuccessful. The YEP also understands Leeds have enquired about Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, who is likely to be on the radar of several clubs.
Leeds have enjoyed a solid transfer window so far but to take it to that next level, difference-makers are needed in those forward areas. Below, the YEP takes a look at what Farke’s attacking unit could look like if those top-level targets are signed.
1. KEEP: Joel Piroe
Last season's Championship Golden Boot winner deserves his shot at competing for Premier League minutes. Looks as fit as ever this summer and in the goals during pre-season, at points linking up well in the No.10 role. | Getty Images
2. LOAN: Mateo Joseph
Farke revealed while in Germany that Joseph has informed the club he wants to leave, and like Bamford he was not involved in the training camp. No one able to meet his price-tag yet, however, and a season-long loan could allow him to develop before either getting a more prominent role at Elland Road or moving on for decent money. | George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
3. SELL: Patrick Bamford
Daniel Farke has already informed Bamford he's not in next season's plans, with the striker not travelling with the squad to Germany. A sale would get his decent wages off the books and, hopefully for him, a good move to become first-choice elsewhere. | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
4. KEEP: Harry Gray
Still only 16 and Leeds have been eager to keep from rushing him into senior football. Another year of mostly U21s football with a sprinkling of first-team appearances will do no harm. Enjoyed plenty of pre-season football so far and got a lovely assist against SC Verl. | Getty Images
5. KEEP: Largie Ramazani
Found himself out of favour for periods last season but would provide a good level of competition to whoever comes in on the left. Has shown moments of technical brilliance and could feasibly usurp any teammate with a good run of form. | Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
6. KEEP: Willy Gnonto
In three years at Leeds he arguably looked most dangerous in the Premier League, which might suggest top-flight football suits him. Returned from his later holiday due to U21 football early and looks hungry, scoring a couple of nice goals in pre-season. | Getty Images