Joel Piroe 'closes in' on Leeds move after Daniel Farke explains pre-season snub
Joel Piroe is edging closer to a move away from Leeds United this summer as he is not part of Daniel Farke's plans for the season.
The 27-year-old has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Elland Road, particularly in the Premier League where he made just two starts last season.
Farke admitted the striker is way down the pecking order following his decision to leave him out for the entirety of their 120-minute pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Farke speaking publicly about Piroe's place in the squad suggests he will soon be allowed to leave.
The Suriname international has long been linked with a move away from Leeds, with interest building from a number of clubs in the EFL and also across Europe.
Now, it looks increasingly likely that he will be allowed to leave Leeds in the closing month of the summer transfer window.
Will Leeds United accept offers for Joel Piroe?
Football Insider revealed back in March that Leeds have been preparing to sell Piroe this summer as he does not play a part in Farke's long-term ambitions for his squad.
The boss is also keen to add another striker before the window closes, which would only force Piroe further down the pecking order and out of the exit door.
As a result, plans are being put in place to cash in on the centre-forward before the window closes, placing a number of interested clubs on alert.
"To be honest, I'm surprised Piroe hasn't already left Leeds this summer," Brown told Football Insider.
"It's obvious he's not going to be part of their plans next season, and Farke has pretty much confirmed that after he came out and explained that he is behind other players in the pecking order.
"It's strange to hear a manager come out and directly say that a player is not involved because he's way down the pecking order, and to me it all but confirms they want to sell him.
"Clubs have been interest in Piroe in the past because, aside from his time at Leeds, he has shown he can score goals, and there are no shortage of clubs in need of a goalscorer.
"Which clubs might come in for him, I'm not sure, but there will be those looking and keeping a close eye on his situation.
"Now that it looks like he will be leaving Leeds, I'm sure somebody will be ready to come forward with an offer to take him away and give him a fresh start elsewhere."
Which clubs are interested in signing Piroe?
Amid the increasing likelihood that Piroe will be allowed to leave Elland Road this month, a number of his long-term admirers have been placed on high alert.
Despite struggling to establish himself as Leeds, the striker's reputation remains strong thanks to his previous goalscoring record, with multiple clubs still keen on him.
Rangers have been tipped to use their connections to Leeds via owners 49ers Enterprises to get a deal over the line, while rivals Celtic have also shown an interest.
This comes as Derek McInnes aims to bolster his squad following a dissappointing start to life at Ibrox, and with more signings expected after nine new arrivals.