Strengthening the attack is expected to be a top priority for Leeds United this summer as they look to add more firepower and competition in the final third ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the line admirably last season, finishing as Leeds’ leading league scorer with 14 goals and carrying much of the attacking responsibility. However, beyond the former Everton striker, the Whites struggled to find consistent goal contributions from their other forwards.
Lukas Nmecha registered six league goals in 31 appearances, while Joel Piroe endured a difficult campaign. The Dutchman found opportunities limited and finished the season without a single Premier League goal.
Given those shortcomings, it comes as little surprise that Leeds are actively searching for another striker and are expected to make attacking reinforcements a major focus before the transfer window shuts.
Leeds have been strongly linked with Juventus forward Lois Openda, but the Yorkshire club are also keeping a close eye on Feyenoord and Japan international Ayase Ueda.
Everton ready to rival Leeds for Ayase Ueda
Ueda scored an impressive 26 goals across all competitions last season for Feyenoord and has been heavily tipped for a move away from the Dutch side this summer.
Leeds are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the striker during the current transfer window.
The Japanese international’s prolific form in the Eredivisie has attracted significant interest from Elland Road, with Daniel Farke eager to add another reliable goalscorer to his squad.
However, according to TeamTalk, Everton are now stepping up their efforts to secure a deal for Ueda.
The Toffees are keen to strengthen their attacking options after both Thierno Barry and Beto struggled to produce consistently last season.
Everton have intensified their pursuit of the Feyenoord star and are now attempting to push through a move that would see him arrive at the Hill Dickinson Arena before the start of the new campaign.
The Merseyside club have extensively monitored the forward, while Feyenoord are believed to be open to a sale if an offer in the region of £30 million arrives this summer.
A stronger option than Openda?
Ueda arrives with momentum behind him, and his performances in the Netherlands suggest he can provide the consistent goalscoring threat Leeds are searching for.
At this stage, he appears to be a more attractive option than Openda. Not only is the Japanese striker in far better form than the Belgian, who managed just two goals last season, but he is also likely to be a more affordable signing.
Juventus are reportedly willing to loan Openda out, but his wage demands could still prove a significant obstacle for any interested club.
While Ueda would require a sizeable transfer fee, his salary package is expected to be far more manageable for Leeds.
For that reason, Openda currently looks like the bigger gamble, while Ueda appears to be the safer and more proven option heading into the latter stages of the transfer window.
