Leeds United appear to be closing in on their fourth senior signing of the summer transfer window, according to emerging reports.
The Daily Mail claim that the Yorkshire giants have opened talks with Eredivisie side Utrecht over a deal to sign winger Gyrano Kerk before the deadline on October 5th.
It’s claimed that Leeds have been working on several deals in recent days, including a move for former target Dan James, who could leave Manchester United should they find cover in his position.
The Whites are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old as their £8m offer is better than what Utrecht have received from Cagliari and Verona.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side defeated Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon with summer arrivals Robin Koch and Rodrigo both featuring whilst latest signing Diego Llorente.
Kerk has been a rather prolific sensation for the Dutch side, last season he banged in ten goals and also provided seven assists, averaging three dribbles, 2.1 shots and 1.4 key passes per game, via WhoScored.
And since the 2016/17 season, he’s contributed to at least eight goals each campaign, seemingly increasing as each year goes on.
SciSports claim that the 5 foot 9 wide man is an inside-forward who “possesses the technical and dribbling skills and good acceleration to beat a defender in one-on-one duels.”
Whilst Voetbal International describe him as a “speed demon” who many defenders struggle to keep up without on the flanks.
“Kerk is not the most polished attacker in the Eredivisie. No, Kerk is a speed demon who always creates danger in the final third. When Kerk is on the moped, there is hardly any defender that can keep up with him. The big difference with last season is that he has become a bit sharper, more focused, so don’t be surprised if Utrecht actually hit the jackpot for Kerk ahead of next season.”
Perhaps it can be argued that further depth is needed in this position as Bielsa only has Jack Harrison, Helder Costa and Ian Poveda as viable options.
If they can’t secure James from the Red Devils, then taking a punt on the Dutchman could be wise, especially at just £8m. Andrea Radrizzani shouldn’t hesitate as it’s potentially low-risk, high-reward.
AND in other news, Leeds United have had an interest in striker likened to Robert Lewandowski…