Sources: Leeds open preliminary talks to sign striker, buy-to-loan discussed
Leeds United are working on signing a new striker after learning that Patrick Bamford faces an extended spell on the sidelines, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League club are in the market for a versatile forward who can play out wide as well as down the middle as the attack spearhead.
It is believed that Leeds want the striker to join this month and have already opened preliminary talks over a potential deal.
The Yorkshire giants are assessing various formulas, including permanent, loan and loan-to-buy options.
They have stepped up their pursuit in the wake of the latest Bamford blow.
The 29-year-old has not played since the end of October and underwent groin surgery last month during the World Cup break in the hope that he would be fit for when the Premier League restarted.
However, he is still struggling for full fitness and, in a new setback revealed by Football Insider on 4 January, Leeds fear he might be out for longer than expected after the surgery.
The former Chelsea forward has endured a miserable time with injuries in the last 18 months.
He has been dogged by a variety of injury problems since September 2021 and the club are no closer to getting him back to full match fitness to ensure he is available for Jesse Marsch's side.
Leeds' recruitment team have been charged with securing a deal for a regular goalscorer.
Only two of their squad have scored more than two Premier League goals this season, top scorer Rodrigo Moreno (10) and winger Crysencio Summerville (four).