Middlesbrough and Rangers plot move for 34-goal Leeds United ace | OneFootball

The Whites are planning to offload six forward players in the summer.

Middlesbrough look to be shifting some attention toward their summer business.

After deciding not to sign a striker in January, head coach Kim Hellberg revealed there was scope to do so, but he held firm on only pursuing the 'right' option.

"If you find the right one, I think we would have done one more [January signing], he told Teeside Live in February.

"But it had to be right with the group, it had to be right with all of those different things. It's important not to go and buy players just to buy players. Every player we try to bring in, there needs to be a purpose," Hellberg added.

A few months later, it seems as though a good option for the Swedish boss could soon be available, although Glasgow giants Rangers are apparent competition for the same player.

Middlesbrough and Rangers 'remain options' for Leeds United forward

As per a transfer report from TEAMtalk, Leeds United are planning to offload six attackers once their Premier League survival is secured.

Joël Piroe, who has scored 34 goals for the West Yorkshire outfit across 116 games, was named as one of the forwards heading for the Whites' exit door.

The Dutch-born Suriname international will reportedly be told that he is 'free to leave' this summer, after falling out of favour under Daniel Farke. So far this season, the 26-year-old has scored no goals in 14 Premier League appearances, albeit only two matches he started in.

As a result of being free to leave, both Middlesbrough and Rangers - Leeds' sister club under the 49ers Enterprises ownership - are apparently plotting moves for the striker. However, it was also noted that Boro's interest may wane should they secure promotion.

There’s been no suggestions on a potential fee just yet, but Piroe joined Leeds from Swansea City in the summer of 2023 on a four-year contract reportedly worth over £10m - so you can imagine the Premier League outfit may want to demand a similar figure.

According to Capology estimates, the former Swans favourite earns approximately £40k-per-week at Elland Road. Yes, this is just an estimate, but if Piroe had played for Boro this season, he would've been their second-highest earner behind loanee Matt Targett, who is on an estimated £60k-per-week.

Rangers may hold Joël Piroe advantage over Middlesbrough this summer

As already highlighted, the connection between Leeds and Rangers through 49ers Enterprises opens the door for a fairly straightforward deal.

In a separate report from Football Insider, ex- Aston Villa and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness thinks that the Gers could capitalise on said ownership situation, but that was all before the Middlesbrough twist.

Clearly, there’s no denying that Piroe's situation at Leeds makes him an attainable target for both these clubs, and whoever else might be monitoring his situation, as he's got proven quality outside the Premier League.

After the 21/22 season, in what was his debut campaign in the EFL, the striker was named Swansea City Supporters’ Player of the Season after racking up 24 goals and six assists.

Given the fact that Boro may move on to other targets if they get promoted, even this stance might make a potential Rangers move all the more favourable for Piroe personally, who is surely itching at the chance for regular first-team football again.