Leeds now expected to hold formal talks to sign £25m+ Serie A star
Leeds United are now expected to hold formal talks to sign a Serie A forward in the January transfer window, according to recent reports.
Farke confirms Leeds' January plan
Ever since rumours emerged that Daniel Farke could lose his job at Elland Road, Leeds have been one of the most impressive sides in the Premier League. The German’s decision to switch to a 5-3-2 system has been nothing short of genius and has unlocked Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s best form since Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton days.
As things stand, the Whites are six points clear of the dropzone and have the chance to take that to nine points with victory over a Liverpool side they held to a 3-3 draw not so long ago.
Success at Anfield would leave Leeds in dreamland heading into the new year and on course for survival which has been an impossible task for several promoted sides before them.
Farke, however, is well aware that there is a long way to go and knows just how important it is that he keeps this current group together next month.
He told reporters: “I speak to my players every day, we are in close conversations, but I have no plans to give any player away from our group because it’s a tight group.
“I don’t believe with working with a big group because it’s important for togetherness, unity and spirit. We can perhaps improve our group a bit more, but no-one close to the first-team group is to leave.”
That doesn’t mean there won’t be movement in the other direction, though. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are now expected to submit an offer to sign Taty Castellanos from Lazio next month.
Leeds expected to submit Castellanos offer
The 27-year-old striker is looking to leave Lazio in January and the Italian club have reportedly slapped a €30m (£26m) price tag on his signature as a result.
It would be a hefty price for a side like Leeds to pay, but it’s one that the Whites could offer if they are convinced by the Argentine ahead of next month’s transfer window.
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Now that their system suits two strikers, the prospect of a partnership between Castellanos and Calvert-Lewin is also one worth thinking about.
League stats 25/26
Castellanos
Calvert-Lewin
Minutes
692
1,114
Goals
2
8
Expected Goals
2
6.8
Assists
3
0
Whilst Castellanos has struggled in front of goal, scoring just twice in Serie A so far this season, he has impressed on the creative front – setting up three goals for his teammates.
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That’s something Calvert-Lewin would only benefit from. The former Everton man has proved this season that, with service, he will score goals so adding another creator to Farke’s side would certainly do Leeds no harm.
For more than £25m, however, the Whites will be expecting more than a forward with just two goals this season.