Leeds suffer blow as Crystal Palace ‘in talks’ over £40m target Jorgen Strand Larsen | OneFootball

Leeds United’s pursuit of Jorgen Strand Larsen has suffered a setback, with Crystal Palace moving for the Wolves striker.

According to TalkSPORT, Palace have opened talks with Wolves over the Norwegian No.9, with Jean-Philippe Mateta having asked to leave amid interest from Aston Villa, Juventus and AC Milan. The Frenchman has eight Premier League goals this season.

Leeds made enquiries last week and accept any deal would be difficult given the fee and expected competition. Nottingham Forest were also among the admirers, along with several bottom-half sides.

Strand Larsen is viewed as a ready-made replacement for Mateta, having scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games last season. He has one this campaign in a Wolves team who look destined for relegation.

Newcastle United bids worth up to £60m were said to be on the table after that 2024/25 return, but Wolves now seek around £40m, still a hefty mid-season outlay.

Leeds’ spending capacity is tight under Profitability and Sustainability Rules, with managing director Robbie Evans having said in September that extra spending would need offsetting before 30 June. He indicated that pursuing higher-priced targets would have impacted summer arrivals or forced key sales.

There is January interest in Joel Piroe, who is yet to score this season and has not started since Arsenal in August, though neither player nor club are pushing for an exit. That could change if a suitable offer lands.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk