Leeds United have made clear race to sign ‘unbelievable’ striker on a free transfer this summer

Leeds did not make any signings until the third week of July last summer and, having missed out on promotion, will be keen to avoid repeating the same mistakes. It certainly proved costly in their pursuit of the top two.

49ers Enterprises were still in the process of completing the takeover and hiring a manager this time last year, but Paraag Marathe insisted they are in a better position to capitalize this time around.

That’s despite already admitting that some key players will have to leave this summer as they try to ensure they stay in line with the PSR.

Leeds have given a boost to their pursuit of Bobby De Cordova-Reid

While Marathe has confirmed that there will be funds available to be spent, loans and free agency are always the markets Championship clubs should be looking at.

Leeds have already been linked with a couple this early in the summer, with Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist reportedly eyeing a loan move.

And today reports emerged that Leeds are indeed eyeing a move for Fulham striker Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who is out of contract at the end of the month.

Team Talk have claimed that talks between De Cordova-Reid and Fulham have stalled over a new deal, with Leeds and Everton two clubs keen to swoop.

However, according to the Liverpool Echo , Leeds could actually have a free run on the 31-year-old’s signature as Everton are not actually interested in pursuing a deal.

If De Cordova-Reid is eventually confirmed to hit the free agent market, several clubs are bound to take a look, but at this stage, it appears only Leeds are in the running.

Who is Leeds reportedly targeting De Cordova-Reid?

De Cordova-Reid is an experienced, versatile attacking player who has spent most of his professional career in the top two divisions of English football.

He can play both centrally and outfield, with his best season coming for Bristol City in the 2017/18 campaign when he scored 19 league goals.

The Jamaican international spent a year at Cardiff City before joining Fulham in 2019, with whom he won promotion to the Premier League twice.

His former manager Scott Parker once hailed him as an “unbelievable professional” and based on his ability to be fit for almost every game, it would be hard to disagree. He is rarely injured.

De Cordova-Reid scored eight goals in Fulham’s 2021/22 title-winning campaign and has scored six in 17 Premier League starts this term.