Leeds United could hit Derby County with transfer hijack involving Chelsea | OneFootball

Leeds United want an additional striker and Chelsea could have the answer, despite interest from Celtic and Derby County.

Leeds United defeated Derby County 3-1 in the FA Cup earlier in January, but they have the opportunity to deal John Eustace's side another transfer blow in transfer window.

Derby County are mid-table and within touching distance of the play-offs, with a far better campaign on the cards after Eustace's arrival midway through 2024/25. Now, they are looking for additions this month to boost their hopes of getting into the top six.

Leeds United won both games against the Rams last term, securing the title with 100 points. However, Daniel Farke's side are seeking reinforcements in order to remain a Premier League club.

Having secured a loan deal for Facundo Buonanotte, Leeds are still eyeing more forwards. One target is Wolverhampon Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. However, The Yorkshire Evening Post have detailed that it is a difficult transfer to do.

They have suggested it could be a loan-to-buy deal, but there are easier options available to Leeds financially if they are desperate to secure a centre-forward this month to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

One striker who is available this month is Chelsea's David Datro Fofana, with the Ivorian now recalled from a loan in Turkey ahead of a potential sale. Chelsea have no plans to use the player, despite having three-and-a-half years left on his deal.

Derby fans are confident they can beat Celtic to Fofana and seal a transfer to bolter Eustace's attacking ranks this month. However, Fofana is exactly the sort of Plan B Leeds should be eyeing this month.

Strand Larsen is a tricky deal to pull off but the shift to a 3-5-2 shape in a good portion of recent games has meant another centre-forward has to come in before the deadline.

Joel Piroe has flattered to deceive at the level, even missing a penalty against Derby recently, while Lukas Nmecha has a worrying injury record, and Noah Okafor is more of a wide forward being forced to operate more centrally.

In the current Premier League climate, the types of striker who are most successful have pace and power. Even if there are aspects of Fofana's game which need ironing out, he already has attributes which could ease the burden on Calvert-Lewin.

As a recently turned 23-year-old, he would also be the youngest striker at the club. Leeds need more assets who they can develop. They can do all of that while stopping a rival from signing him, too.

David Datro Fofana's goalscoring record

Fofana should be a contingency plan and not the top target, with Strand Larsen a proven Premier League commodity and Fofana more potential than the finished article.

However, he would be eminently more affordable, with Leeds struggling to comply with PSR rules this season and having a somewhat limited budget in January due to that fact.

Fofana's goalscoring record has not been all that impressive in his 20s, but his teen years saw him bag for fun. That, on top of an excellent physical profile, is why he has to be considered by Premier League clubs as well as the likes of Celtic and Derby.