Leeds United watched Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes as the weekend “in view of launching a bid before the transfer window closes”, according

to Darren Witcoop.

The Sunday Mirror editor reported via Twitter Wednesday morning (16 August) that the Whites “ran the rule over” the 23-year-old in Aberdeen’s

defeat at Celtic on Sunday (13 August), with the Cape Verde international “on the radar” of a “host” of Championship sides including Southampton,

who were also one of four teams in attendance.

Duk scored 16 SPFL goals for the Dons last season as they finished third behind Celtic and Rangers and is now in the sights of multiple clubs for a

move.

Daniel Farke has so far had to start wantaway Willy Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt as his main striker in the three games he has overseen, with Patrick

Bamford again out injured along with Mateo Joseph, and Sonny Perkins ill.

Late move?

Leeds United have needed to sign an out-and-out striker for multiple windows with Bamford the only senior number nine in the squad, but persisted

in going for supporting attackers.

An injury crisis to start the season has brought that priority roaring back to the fore, as Farke struggles to hold together a squad which is leaking

players all over the place.

Links to the likes of Joel Piroe and Cameron Archer have so far not developed into a new arrival, and may be expensive deals to get done.

Unless Gnonto and Tyler Adams are sold for decent cash the Whites boss may struggle to be able to put a major fee on the table for any English-based

scorers.

Duk won’t be a total bargain either, especially with so many clubs in for him, but it would likely take less to convince Aberdeen than it would the likes

of Aston Villa.

It could be a risk if the four-cap international were to take time to adapt to the switch from the Scottish Premiership to the Championship, but he has

so far proven his worth north of the border with 18 goals in all competitions in his first season in senior football.

In other Leeds United news, another exit-linked player doesn’t have a relegation release clause and the club aren’t ready to let him leave.

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Sources: Leeds and West Brom race to sign Millwall star Jake Cooper

Leeds United and West Brom have joined Rangers in the chase for Millwall defender Jake Cooper, sources have told Football Insider.

The centre-back, 28, is entering the final year of his contract at the London club and his suitors are hoping to land him for a cut-price fee.

Now, Championship duo Leeds and West Brom have registered their interest in deals for Cooper as they look to win the race for his signature this

month.

He has impressed at Millwall since joining the club permanently from Reading in 2017 following a successful loan spell in the 2016-17 campaign.

The centre-back was instrumental in the Lions’ surprise push for promotion last season as they just missed out on the playoffs.

Cooper made 46 appearances across all competitions – scoring three goals and providing three assists.

He has started the new season in a similar vein, playing every minute of Millwall’s three games so far.

The Bracknell-born ace has made 300 appearances in a five-year spell at the Bermondsey outfit and has scored 22 goals while providing 17 assists in that time.

 

 

 

Football Insider revealed on 11 August that a new centre-back is a top priority for Leeds following the injury to captain Liam Cooper.

West Brom are also very much in the market for a new central defender after losing Dara O’Shea to Burnley earlier in the window.