Leeds United have made an approach for Bordeaux and France under-21 forward Sekou Mara, according to the Mail on Sunday, as the club intensify their efforts to sign a striker. Competition upfront has been a priority all summer for Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch following Patrick Bamford’s long-term absence last year.
Interest has been heavy in Club Brugge star Charles de Ketelaere, with a reported £31million tabled for the 21-year-old, but the club have faced problems in convincing the player to ditch his dream move to AC Milan for a stint in West Yorkshire. Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo has also been high on Orta’s list after two impressive seasons on loan with RC Lens.
And now according to the report, an approach has been made to Bordeaux for their teenage sensation Mara. Such an approach is not unusual for Orta, who is known to have a list of alternative options for a desired role, should the priority target not work out. It is common practice for the Whites sporting director to maintain contact with those on the list to ensure he can react quickly to any complications.
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And now Mara has seemingly been added to the infamous list alongside de Ketelaere and Kalimuendo. The 19-year-old scored six goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances last season as his side ultimately succumbed to relegation to the third tier due to financial issues.
That demotion will likely ignite an exodus of the French side’s promising young talent, with Mara leading the way amid interest from Leeds, Newcastle United, Monaco and Lyon. But despite their financial woes, Bordeaux are remaining stern in their valuation of €15million plus add-ons and a significant sell-on clause.
The teenager impressed during the 2022 Toulon Tournament - an international youth competition notorious for uncovering future stars - top-scoring with five goals in five games as France under-20s went all the way. That capped off a breakthrough campaign in senior domestic football for the forward who was a shining light in Bordeaux's disastrous season.
Leeds have also reportedly made an approach for Blackburn Rovers Ben Brereton Diaz as the club intensify their efforts to sign a forward following the sale of Raphinha to Barcelona. The Brazilian’s departure filled the Elland Road coffers with the funds needed to finalise their own summer business.
A striker is top of that list and has been so since the window opened, but Junior Firpo’s injury and subsequent eight week absence has pushed the prospect of a new left-back to the front of the queue. Marsch will be keen to secure deals for both positions with plenty of time before the Premier League season kicks off in August.
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