Fabrizio Romano: Roma ‘advancing’ in Joshua Zirkzee talks as Leeds hopes cool | OneFootball

Leeds United’s need for a January striker has softened as form improves, yet their pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee faces headwinds. According to Fabrizio Romano, Roma are advancing in talks on personal terms, and any move would depend on Manchester United’s decision amid injury and AFCON absences.

On Saturday, Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck twice in a 4-1 home win over FA Cup winners and Europa Conference League competitors Crystal Palace, Leeds’ fifth Premier League victory. He has seven for the campaign, with six in his last five matches. Only Mark Viduka has scored in five straight Premier League games for Leeds more than 20 years ago.

Lukas Nmecha has four goals after arriving as back-up. If Leeds add a forward, they would want one who also creates chances in the final third.

Zirkzee fits that profile, able to drop deep and link play. Leeds have approached the Manchester United attacker over a January loan, but a decision from Ruben Amorim’s side is yet to be made after AFCON losses.

Leeds are not alone, with West Ham keen and Roma seen as frontrunners. In the last 48 hours of the summer window they failed with moves for Facundo Buonanotte then Harry Wilson, finishing the period light up front.

With a 3-5-2 now an option, a new striker may no longer be essential, and plans could change. Creativity remains the bigger gap, but adding that quality will be costly, and the club must assess budget and potential sales for January.

Source: Leedsunited.news