Leeds 'ready to explode' if they complete 11th-hour striker signing
Leeds United can make a push for European football this season if they can bring in another high-quality striker before the upcoming transfer deadline.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Whites cannot rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin alone in front of goal.
The 29-year-old notched 14 Premier League goals in a resurgent campaign last term, but has endured sustained injury problems throughout his career.
Wyness made it clear that he is a huge admirer of Calvert-Lewin, but feels that they need greater support for him, in case he breaks down with a long-term injury.
Backup striker Lukas Nmecha is currently subject to transfer interest from ambitious Championship side Wrexham, while Joel Piroe has already left for West Ham.
That leaves Daniel Farke's side with just two senior recognised strikers, and Wyness believes that is an issue that simply must be addressed ahead of the 1 September deadline.
Leeds eye UEFA Conference League
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Leeds could be capable of securing a place in the UEFA Conference League if they can get a new frontman through the door.
The Whites have already made significant reinforcements at the other end of the pitch, plus secured the services of winger Harry Wilson on a free transfer.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why he believes that one more striker signing would raise the barrier in terms of what they could achieve in 2026-27.
"I've always been a big fan of Dominic when he was at Everton, and I'm pleased that he proved me right with a reasonably good season when he got fit at Leeds," he said.
"However, to have Leeds' season hanging on one hamstring is a little bit risky to me, and they've got to bring in some backup or support as well for that front bit.
"When you get two of your star players injured at the same time, that's what causes runs of form that can lead a club to not perform and gradually drift down to the bottom half of the table.
"Dominic, we know, had a reasonable season injury-wise, but it took a while to get started, if everybody remembers. There is that question mark still there.
"You've got to have more backup, and that's going to be the key for Leeds this season. If they get that position sorted, I think they'll be challenging mid-table, possibly looking for a Conference League place if they do well."
Mykhailo Mudryk to Leeds update
Football Insider revealed on Friday that Leeds haven't given up hope of signing Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk before the 1 September deadline.
The West Yorkshire outfit have already seen two loan offers for the Ukrainian rejected, and he has only just come back from his long-term suspension.
Mudryk is understood to be "desperate" to head out on loan to get back to playing regular football, and Leeds are big admirers of the wideman.
They have been unable to reach an agreement to sign the 25-year-old so far, but are expected to continue trying right up until the deadline.