Leeds United are reportedly considering a loan swoop for USMNT striker Daryl Dike who plies his trade for MLS outfit Orlando City.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Leeds United are exploring the possibility of securing a loan deal for 21-year-old Orlando City striker Daryl Dike late in the transfer window.
Dike started out at the Oklahoma Energy youth team before making the switch to the Virginia Cavaliers (University of Virginia). The United States forward was picked by Orlando City in the draft in January 2020. The young centre-forward was fairly impressive in his first season with the MLS club, following which he was signed on loan by Barnsley in January earlier this year.
Dike spent six months on loan with the Tykes and made a solid impression, bagging nine goals in 22 games, playing a key role in their playoff finish, although he could not lead them to promotion to the Premier League. On the back of his form, the 21-year-old has also managed to break into the United States Men’s National Team, scoring three goals in eight games.
Now back at Orlando City, Dike has started the new MLS season well, bagging two goals in four games. His form over the past year has now led to interest from several clubs in England. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham were all said to be keeping track of the young striker earlier this year, while more recently, Crystal Palace have also shown an interest.
Now it is Leeds that are the latest entrant in pursuit of Dike. The Whites have Patrick Bamford as their main man at the top and have also managed to tie him down to a new long-term contract at the club. However, the Englishman does not really have a quality backup to cover for him, with both Rodrigo Moreno and Tyler Roberts proving ineffective.
Thus, adding another centre-forward would be a sensible move by the Yorkshire-based outfit even though manager Marcelo Bielsa claimed earlier that his side’s transfer business was wrapped up. To that end, Leeds United are now exploring the possibility of taking Dike on loan from Orlando City.
However, the Whites will face competition from EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies have appointed Valerian Ismael as their new manager, who is keen on signing Dike after having worked with him at Barnsley last term. What now remains to be seen is whether Leeds are able to beat West Brom to the loan signing of the youngster or are forced to look elsewhere.
