The Cape Verde international is wanted by a number of Championship sides.
Are Leeds signing a striker?
The Whites and Daniel Farke are yet to make an attacking signing so far this summer, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow, defenders Sam Byram and Joe
Rodon and holding midfielder Ethan Ampadu the four new faces in Yorkshire.
A number of players have left the club following relegation from the Premier League, including last season’s top scorer Rodrigo. Attackers Jack
Harrison and Brenden Aaronson have also left on loan, whereas Wilfried Gnonto has been refusing to play as he looks to force a move away before
the deadline and Luis Sinisterra was also ‘not available’ last time out against Birmingham City.
To top things off, experienced forward Patrick Bamford is yet to play during the current campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury during pre-
season.
Therefore, it looks as if a new forward needs to arrive before the September 1 deadline, with Graham Smyth saying earlier in the week that Leeds, and
by extension the 49ers Enterprises, ‘have lodged a bid for an as yet unnamed striker’.
Swansea City’s Joel Piroe, Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer and Everton’s Tom Cannon have all been linked with a move to Elland Road, and it appears
as if Duk is also on the Whites’ radar.
According to reporter Darren Witcoop, Leeds are one of a number of Championship clubs keen on signing Duk and even made the trip to watch the
player in action against Celtic on the weekend with a view of making an offer.
“Aberdeen striker Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes is on the radar of a host of Championship clubs. Four sides, including Southampton and Leeds, ran the rule over
the Cape Verde international against Celtic on Sunday in view of launching a bid before the transfer window closes.”
Who is Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes?
Duk is 23 years of age and is primarily a centre-forward who can also turn out on the left if needed. The Cape Verde international made the move to
Aberdeen from Benfica last year and has gone on to score 18 times for the club in 45 appearances.
He also found the back of the net for Benfica’s youth and B teams and was hailed by former coach Joao Tralhao said the forward is “powerful” and
has scored “acrobatic goals” for Aberdeen.
“He is powerful, aggressive, strong and he works hard to press. He also has an amazing instinct to score goals and you could see that with every
year he progressed.
“He has a real instinct for goal that is his top quality. He just scores goals, with his right foot, left foot, chest, head or every part of his body. He has
scored a few acrobatic goals for Aberdeen and trust me that is not usual. That is just Duk.”
It looks as if a move to England could be one to watch for Duk, and it’ll be interesting to see if an offer is made by Leeds before the deadline.
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Southampton: TalkSPORT reporter drops exciting transfer update
Southampton boss Russell Martin will be keen to ensure his side challenge for promotion to the Premier League this term.
Southampton boss Russell Martin will be ‘given funds’ between now and the end of the window to strengthen his side’s promotion bid and both Jack
Stephens alongside Samuel Edozie will be crucial to making a return to the Premier League a reality, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
What’s the latest transfer news at Southampton?
According to The Northern Echo, Southampton are keen on making a move for out-of-favour Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden; however,
no ‘formal offer’ has been submitted to land the 28-year-old.
Hayden is training with Newcastle United’s second string and has formed one part of a three-way unwanted quartet at St James’ Park that also
includes Ryan Fraser and Jeff Hendrick.
Football Insider report that Swansea City striker Joel Piroe is on the radar at St Mary’s Stadium as a potential addition this summer, though Leeds
United and Leicester City are also hot on the tail of the Dutchman.
The same outlet claim that Swansea City will demand between £15-20 million for their prize asset, who scored 20 times and delivered two assists in
45 appearances in 2022/23.
Southampton have recruited three players this window to help with their promotion bid in the form of Shea Charles, Joe Lumley and Ryan Manning,
as per Transfermarkt.
Starting the 2023/24 campaign in mixed fashion, Southampton have four points from six available in the Sky Bet Championship following a victory
against Sheffield Wednesday and draw against Norwich City; nevertheless, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup last week by Gillingham, as
per Sky Sports.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, talkSPORT reporter Crook expects Martin to get backed in the final stretch of the window at St Mary’s Stadium and
praised Southampton’s owners.
Crook stated: “They’ve got Jack Stephens back from Bournemouth, who I think will replace Mohammed Salisu. By all accounts, Stephens looked
decent enough in pre-season, I think he’ll do a job at that level, I mean he did well for Bournemouth. They wanted to keep him permanently but
didn’t want to pay £10m.
“They’ve got other young players like Samuel Edozie, who they signed for the future and who they think could flourish in the Championship. So, I
think the squad still looks okay, but I think Russell Martin will be given funds to bring players in, no question about that.
“So, the owners are ambitious, you can question some of their recruitment, but you can’t question their ambitions.”
What else could happen at Southampton between now and the close of play?
Departures have formed a major part of Southampton’s transfer window and will continue to impact their ability to squad plan between now and the
end of the window.
Belgium international Romeo Lavia is keen to join Chelsea despite a £60 million deal being agreed between Southampton and Liverpool for the 19-
year-old, as per Sky Sports.
The Sun report that Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is being eyed by Everton to provide competition to Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia,
with a free transfer potentially in the pipeline to take the 33-year-old to Goodison Park.
Crystal Palace are believed to be weighing up a £10 million bid for Southampton striker Che Adams, who is keen to return to the Premier League after
the Saints suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, according to The Evening Standard.
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