Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit backs Leeds United to take Celtic FC transfer "gamble" | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to Football League World about Leeds United's reported interest in Celtic star Daizen Maeda

Leeds United are braced for a significant, action-packed summer transfer window as they bid to bolster their squad and bridge the ever-increasing gap between the Championship and the Premier League after clinching the second-tier title under Daniel Farke.

The German boss will now be tasked with leading the Whites back into the top-flight and is reportedly poised to receive a transfer warchest worth £150 million from chairman Paarag Marathe.

Leeds, naturally, have already been linked with a host of players, ranging from goalkeepers such as Aaron Ramsdale and Djordje Petrovic in a seeming effort to source an upgrade on Ilian Meslier, to Troy Parrott, Tammy Abraham and former Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo.

Another player who has reportedly emerged on Leeds' radar is Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda, in what could represent an extreme statement of intent.

As per a recent report from TBR Football, Leeds have "watched" the Japanese international in action this term alongside the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United.

It is said that Maeda, who has registered 33 goals and 11 assists for Brendan Rodgers' side this season, could be available for £25 million in the summer.

Comfortable operating either out wide on the left-hand side or through the middle, Maeda has starred for Celtic ever since his arrival from Yokohoma F. Marinos in 2022 and a bidding war surely awaits for his services.

Lee Hendrie backs Leeds United to sign Celtic FC's Daizen Maeda

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie explained how he believes Maeda's excellent goalscoring record north of the border means he could be a solid recruit for Farke.

In Hendrie's view, Leeds would benefit from an upgrade on Joel Piroe, who finished as the Championship's top scorer with 19 strikes to fire the Whites to the league title, and Maeda could be exactly that, even if the signing would represent "half a gamble".

"Leeds are obviously linked with Celtic forward Maeda, 62 goals in 156 appearances for Celtic," Hendrie told FLW.

"I've said all along that Leeds are going to be linked with so many centre-forwards. Patrick Bamford probably isn't going to be around, Piroe has done very well but I think at times he's more of a 10, so they do need someone who is a bit more prolific.

"He's got experience and he's scored goals. The jump from coming down from Scotland to stepping into a Leeds side who will be expected to compete, you do think it could be half a gamble.

"But when you look at the numbers he has produced for Celtic, I don't think it would be a bad signing. This is going to be a tough one to call.

"Leeds will be linked with most strikers that are available or in their region of budget and I think he will be one of them."

Leeds United may struggle to beat off competition for Celtic's Daizen Maeda

Maeda would clearly be an exciting signing for Leeds and is the type of marquee acquisition which could really boost their hopes of surviving in the Premier League.

Leeds, of course, are not wrong to pursue a deal, but they must have a sizable degree of caution considering the calibre of some of Maeda's reported suitors. Indeed, all of them are established in the top-flight already, while Maeda could also play European football and challenge for titles with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Admittedly, it would be a surprise to see Arne Slot's league-winning Liverpool side go in for Maeda - they may understandably have their sights set some way higher - but what we do know is that Leeds are going to face formidable competition for the 27-year-old's signature and they would be well-served by running the rule over a range of striking targets.