According to Darren Witcoop, Leeds United watched Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes over the weekend “in the hope of launching a bid before the transfer window closes.”
The Sunday Mirror editor reported on Twitter Wednesday morning (16 August) that the Whites “ran the rule over” the 23-year-old in Aberdeen’s defeat at Celtic on Sunday (13 August), with the Cape Verde international “on the radar” of a “host” of Championship sides, including Southampton, who were also present.
Duk scored 16 SPFL goals for the Dons last season as they finished third behind Celtic and Rangers, and he is now being pursued by a number of clubs.
Daniel Farke has had to start wantaway Willy Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt as his main strikers in the three games he has overseen, with Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, and Sonny Perkins all out injured.
Late arrival?
With Bamford as the sole senior number nine in the squad, Leeds United have needed to buy an out-and-out striker for several window, but have instead gone for supporting attackers.
An injury crisis at the start of the season has brought that objective screaming back to the fore, as Farke attempts to keep a group together that is leaking players everywhere.
Links to players like Joel Piroe and Cameron Archer have not resulted in a new arrival, and it may be difficult to close a deal.
Unless Gnonto and Tyler Adams are sold for a reasonable sum, the Whites manager may be unable to offer a significant amount for any English-based scorers.
Duk will not be cheap, especially with so many clubs interested in him, but it will likely take less convincing Aberdeen than Aston Villa.
It could be a danger if the four-cap international takes time to adjust to the move from the Scottish Premiership to the Championship, but he has already established his worth north of the border with 18 goals in all competitions in his maiden senior season.
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