‘Leeds swooping for Jamie Vardy and another star striker’
Leeds United are eyeing a move to sign Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy on a free transfer in the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Vardy would be an “excellent” addition to Daniel Farke’s side.
However, there is a feeling that they do not want to rely on the 38-year-old to provide all of their goals and will target another “top-class” striker alongside him.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 13 April that Leeds are prioritising signing a striker as they do not believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are Premier League players.
Vardy’s experience and goalscoring prowess are seen as key assets for Leeds as they prepare to make the step up to the top tier of English football.
They are not the only side interested in the Leicester man, however, as Football Insider revealed Wolves are also plotting a deal for Vardy.
Leeds rival Wolves and Wrexham in Jamie Vardy race
Brown told Football Insider that Wrexham will explore a deal for Vardy and could make him a “big offer” to tempt him to drop down to the Championship.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted two new strikers are likely to arrive at Elland Road this summer.
“Jamie Vardy will be a target for Leeds,” he told Football Insider.
“They like to get on top of teams at Elland Road, it’s like wave after wave of attack.
“They don’t think the strikers they’ve got at the moment are good enough to score regular goals for them in the Premier League.
“Vardy would fit that bill, he’ll be on the end of the chances they create, he’d be excellent in that regard.
“Plus, he’s got that experience in the Premier League which is so valuable to promoted sides.
“The issue there is, it’s alright when you’re at home and you can take the games to teams, but what happens when you’ve then got to go away to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City?
“Is Vardy doing to make much of a difference when the game is against you?
“So those are games where you need a real top-class Premier League striker who can lead the line and give you a way out of the pressure away from home.
“If they go and get Vardy, which wouldn’t surprise me, they’re going to want another one as well.
“That would allow them to chop and change depending on who would be the best fit for any game.
“Plus, it gives the manager better options and the chance to change his style if needed.“
Sam Johnstone update emerges amid Wolves exit latest
On top of their efforts to sign a new striker this summer, Leeds will also turn their attention towards the addition of a new goalkeeper.
Brown told Football Insider on 29 April that Leeds want to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who has struggled for game time this season at Molineux.
The 32-year-old England international would represent a dependable option between the sticks amid ongoing concerns about Illan Meslier.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Johnstone wants to join Leeds as he will have the opportunity to play regular Premier League football.
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