Leeds United and Southampton in two-club race to seal Joel Piroe transfer

Leeds United are now in a two-horse race with Championship rivals Southampton in their pursuit of Swansea striker Joel Piroe, according to Last Word On Sports.

The online publication has reported that Leeds and Southampton are the only two clubs left in the running for Piroe after Leicester and Everton reportedly cooled their interest.

It has been shared that Leeds’ focus on Piroe this summer comes from a need for a player that will finish chances, following Rodrigo’s departure and Patrick Bamford’s unreliability, and after scoring just twice so far in their pre-season friendlies, while chance creation isn’t a problem for the Whites.

Piroe would be perfect

The Swansea hitman would be the perfect signing for Daniel Farke’s side this summer and would improve their threat from open play tenfold, as a huge boost to the club’s hope of promotion this season.

Piroe scored 19 Championship goals last season in a Swansea side that finished the season in tenth place. The Dutchman’s goals amounted to 28% of the club’s season total and dragged them to a finish just three points short of the playoffs.

There is a reason the interest in Piroe has come from such highly regarded sides this summer, with all three relegated Premier League sides targeting him to spearhead their promotion push, while Premier League Everton also viewed him as the answer to their striker issues at one point.

The news that it has come down to a head-to-head between Leeds and Southampton should see the Yorkshire club given an edge, as they can offer him greater assurances of playing time.

Piroe is a huge upgrade on Patrick Bamford who would provide the most competition for the starting spot, while he would be competing with Che Adams, Adam Armstrong and Sekou Mara, with the first two names being proven Championship goalscorers, while Mara will look to make progress in his Saints career.