report : Leeds plan bid for new 16-goal striker, watched him 3 days ago

Leeds United watched Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes as the weekend “in view of launching a bid before the transfer window closes”, according to Darren Witcoop.

The Sunday Mirror editor reported via 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 one of four teams in attendance.

Duk scored 16 SPFL goals for the Dons last season as they finished third behind Celtic and Rangers and is now in the sights of multiple clubs for a move.

Aberdeen striker Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes is on the radar of a host of Championship clubs. Four sides, including Southampton and Leeds, ran the rule over the Cape Verde international against Celtic on Sunday in view of launching a bid before the transfer window closes. #soton #lufc

Daniel Farke has so far had to start wantaway Willy Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt as his main striker in the three games he has overseen, with Patrick Bamford again out injured along with Mateo Joseph, and Sonny Perkins ill.

Late move?

Leeds United have needed to sign an out-and-out striker for multiple windows with Bamford the only senior number nine in the squad, but persisted in going for supporting attackers.

An injury crisis to start the season has brought that priority roaring back to the fore, as Farke struggles to hold together a squad which is leaking players all over the place.

Links to the likes of Joel Piroe and Cameron Archer have so far not developed into a new arrival, and may be expensive deals to get done.

Unless Gnonto and Tyler Adams are sold for decent cash the Whites boss may struggle to be able to put a major fee on the table for any English-based scorers.

Duk won’t be a total bargain either, especially with so many clubs in for him, but it would likely take less to convince Aberdeen than it would the likes of Aston Villa.

It could be a risk if the four-cap international were to take time to adapt to the switch from the Scottish Premiership to the Championship, but he has so far proven his worth north of the border with 18 goals in all competitions in his first season in senior football.

In other Leeds United news, another exit-linked player doesn’t have a relegation release clause and the club aren’t ready to let him leave.