Rodrigo Muniz reacts to Bernd Leno after Leeds transfer developments

Leeds United may step up their pursuit of Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz following the absence of a player from their pre-season training camp.

The Whites have started their pre-season with a 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester United in Stockholm and will now return home to Elland Road to face La Liga outfit Villarreal.

Forward Matteo Joseph has been missing from their training camps abroad, with the 21-year-old linked with a move back to his native Spain with Real Betis.

Joseph only scored three goals in 39 appearances for Leeds last season, but his absence means manager Daniel Farke may have to intensify his interest in Muniz.

Content Fulham in no rush

Muniz started Fulham's 3-1 friendly win against fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest in Portugal alongside team mate Bernd Leno.

Leno then took to Instagram to share photos from the match with the caption: "90mins in the pocket," which was liked by Muniz.

The Brazilian did not get on the score sheet as Harry Wilson netted a double alongside a goal from Andreas Pereira.

The Cottagers have only made one signing this summer as manager Marco Silva doesn't feel in any rush to add to his squad, who finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

Leeds must pursue forward targets

Football Insider Verdict

With Matteo Joseph and Patrick Bamford both looking set to leave Leeds, Farke needs to add reinforcements to his forward options.

Farke has told Bamford he is not part of his plans for the club's Premier League adventure, so the German could be left with just Joel Piroe as a natural striker in his squad.

Piroe has never played in the Premier League before, and the 25-year-old's prolific form in the Championship does not mean he will hit the ground running in the top flight.

The Dutchman could prove to be a useful asset, but signing Muniz would give Leeds a striker capable of scoring goals at the highest level.

At 24 years old, Muniz still has the potential to improve, so Leeds could be signing a striker for the long-term.

Muniz though will need service and support going forward, something that is currently lacking in the squad.

Manor Solomon was an influential player in the club's Championship triumph and his return from Spurs would add the creativity needed in forward areas.