Chelsea have reassigned the number nine jersey from Liam Delap to Joao Pedro, with Leeds United now said to be monitoring the forward.
According to reports, Leeds have been informed that signing the Chelsea striker would require £50m.
LeedsLive understands the club are watching developments but are not in a position to pursue a deal at present. They are unlikely to meet Chelsea’s reported £50m asking price this summer, though a loan arrangement could be feasible.
Clubs tracking the situation, which reportedly include Everton and Nottingham Forest alongside Leeds, believe a transfer could materialise nearer the £40m mark. The Blues acquired Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m during last summer’s transfer window, having activated a release clause triggered by relegation in his contract.
talkSPORT, who report Chelsea have placed a £50m valuation on Delap, characterise Leeds’ interest as historical, the same description applied to Everton’s situation. Forest, however, are understood to have emerged as the leading candidates. Italian club Como have also apparently shown interest, though Delap is said to prefer remaining in the Premier League this summer.
Newcastle United have previously been credited with interest in the former England under-21 international. Ipswich have also been tentatively linked with bringing back their former striker.
Hull City, meanwhile, have apparently made no enquiry to Chelsea regarding their former loanee. Owner Acun Ilicali recently stated to the Daily Mail that while he holds Delap in high regard and hopes the sentiment is mutual, he did not approach Chelsea for this season.
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke declined to comment on seeking additional striker options during his pre-match press conference on Thursday. He expressed satisfaction with the club’s transfer activity thus far, describing the business conducted as excellent. While pleased with the current squad, he indicated efforts would continue until the final day to assemble the strongest possible group.
Leeds have been connected with various forwards this summer, with Ayase Ueda, Carlos Espi, Ermedin Demirovic and Nicolo Tresoldi among those mentioned in recent weeks.
The club have recently sent Joel Piroe on loan to West Ham United, leaving Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Mateo Joseph as their forward options. The latter will be sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury until next year.
Wrexham are also said to be showing interest in former Germany international Nmecha. He arrived on a free transfer from Wolfsburg last summer but his contract expires at the end of this season, which is also when Piroe’s deal is due to conclude.
Calvert-Lewin represents the club’s only long-term option, with his contract running until the conclusion of next season.