Palace ‘to become’ Leeds’ main rivals for Jorgen Strand Larsen if Mateta leaves | OneFootball

According to The Athletic, Leeds United are the only club to have lodged a bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen, and talks are ongoing over a January move.

Leeds made an offer last week, which was not accepted but has not been ruled out, and a deal could yet be done before the 2 February deadline.

Club chiefs recognise two hurdles, a price of around £40m and rival interest, but the player and his agent, an Elland Road season-ticket holder, are thought to be open to the switch.

West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa had explored the striker market earlier this month. West Ham have already spent £45m on two forwards, while Tammy Abraham is set to return to Villa Park as back-up to Ollie Watkins.

Forest have bid £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta and are expected to step up their pursuit. Crystal Palace want a package worth £40m, their price has not yet been met, and they will only sell in January once a replacement is lined up, with Strand Larsen among potential options.

If Mateta departs, Palace could become Leeds’ main rivals for Strand Larsen, and interest on their side is described as strong. Matt Hobbs previously led Wolves’ recruitment and brought the Norwegian on loan from Real Betis before a permanent deal last summer.

Palace have failed to win since early December and sit one place and two points above Leeds. Wolves maintain they do not need to sell, and Strand Larsen is contracted at Molineux until 2030.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk