Leeds United have been linked with a return to Rennes and an approach for Martin Terrier, according to L’Equipe, as Victor Orta continues to prepare for potential life after Charles de Ketelaere. The Club Brugge forward has long been the Whites’ top target as the club look to strengthen upfront, with a reported record-breaking £32million bid having been tabled two weeks ago.
But Leeds face stiff competition from AC Milan for the forward’s signature, who would prefer a move to the Serie A champions who can offer Champions League football. And while the Italian giants are yet to meet Brugge’s demands, they are expected to step up their efforts and are confident of winning the race as soon as they do so.
The last few days has seen a change in the tide at Elland Road as the club become linked to several alternative options - most recently Terrier - as Orta sets insurance plans in motion. The Whites sporting director is famed for his lists of potential candidates and is known to work down from a priority target, so the sounding out process of several forwards is not uncommon.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer news LIVE: De Ketelaere and Kalimuendo latest; interest in Harrison
The most recent of which is Rennes forward Terrier, who scored 21 goals in 46 league games last season - a tally topped only by Kylian Mbappe and Wissam Ben Yedder. Leeds have previous with the French outfit, having signed Raphinha for just £17million in 2020 before selling him on to Barcelona to £55million two years on.
That encounter looks to have sharpened Rennes’ negotiating stance and they have slapped a reported £34million price-tag on their striker in a bid to fend off competition. But Terrier is not the only forward being eyed by Orta.
The weekend brought back links with Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz, with reports suggesting Leeds have returned to the player’s camp to monitor his situation. The Chile international bagged an impressive 22 goals from 37 Championship appearances last season, garnering interest also from West Ham and Sevilla, but his £20million valuation seems a touch too high for all involved parties with no serious offers.
Bordeaux and France under-21 forward Sekou Mara also emerged over the weekend, with Leeds reportedly approaching Bordeaux about their star. The 19-year-old scored six goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances last season, topping the season off with an impressive Toulon Tournament where he top-scored with five goals in five games.
The most consistent and strong links have been with Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, which suggests he is second on Orta’s list behind de Ketelaere. Leeds reportedly had a bid of around £20million tabled for the 20-year-old after two impressive seasons on loan at RC Lens with 21 goals in 65 games.
Wanting eyes are now starting to drift away from de Ketelaere, with the Belgian increasingly likely to move to the San Siro as each day passes. Orta’s activity in sounding out alternatives suggests he has all but moved on, and none of the aforementioned options a panicked choice by any means.
Which of those targets ends up at Elland Road remains to be seen - it could still be someone different entirely.
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