According to Corriere Del Veneto, Leeds United are interested in signing Finland international Joel Pohjanpalo as they try to strengthen their forward line this summer.
The Italian publication stated on Monday (7 August, page 12) that the Whites are one of several Championship clubs interested in the 28-year-old Venezia striker, along with Serie A clubs.
West Ham are interested in the striker, who scored 19 goals in 37 Serie B games last season, although Daniel Farke‘s side will likely face competition from Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City, and Cagliari this summer.
Leeds have been looking to add to their attacking options, and the need for a new striker has been exacerbated after both Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter were injured in the season opener against Cardiff City, leaving winger Wilfried Gnonto to lead the line in a 2-2 draw at Elland Road.
Goals are guaranteed.
Any striker who joins Farke’s squad this summer must guarantee goals, as the club currently appears to be lacking in clinical options up front, especially after Bamford’s goalscoring form appears to have waned since his 17-goal first season in the Premier League.
Pohjanpalo scores goals everywhere he plays; before to his stint in Venezia, he scored in the Turkish Super Lig and has a similar consistent record throughout his career, despite being a seasoned international player.
The 28-year-old has played 68 times for the Finnish national side, making his debut at the age of 18 and scoring 14 goals, and would provide leadership from the front for Leeds if he were to join.
Standing at little over 6ft 1, the striker will also provide a physical presence in the Championship that cannot be overlooked, especially given that several of Leeds‘ wide alternatives are shorter, more nimble players.
If Leeds can outbid the other Championship clubs for his services, Pohjanpalo would be a wise signing, if not the most eye-catching.
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