The January transfer window is in full swing, sparking a flurry of activity across the Premier League and beyond. Today's developments see multiple clubs vying for attacking reinforcements, with a Wolves star at the centre of a multi-club chase and several deals edging closer to completion.
Leeds Lead Chase for Wolves' Prized Asset
Leeds United have formally entered the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, making an official enquiry for the £40million-rated forward. They are not alone in their interest, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest also registering their curiosity about the player.
For Leeds, any significant move is complicated by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club is understood to be at its limit and may need to sanction player sales before they can facilitate a serious bid for Larsen. In related Leeds news, winger Jack Harrison has arrived in Florence to finalise a loan move to Fiorentina, which includes an option to make the switch permanent for £6m.
Furthermore, Celtic have shown interest in Leeds striker Joel Piroe, but the player is currently inclined to remain at Elland Road.
Striker Searches Dominate Window
The hunt for new forwards is a dominant theme. Crystal Palace, who anticipate a bid from Juventus for their own striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, are actively seeking reinforcements. They have seen an opening offer for 19-year-old Angers forward Sidiki Cherif rejected, but talks are ongoing.
In a separate development, Stoke City have moved to sign Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan after the player turned down a switch to Swansea City.
Fulham are also deep in the market for a striker, maintaining dialogue with PSV Eindhoven for Ricardo Pepi despite the US international undergoing surgery on a broken arm that will rule him out for seven weeks. Fulham's initial offer of around £22million was rebuffed, with PSV holding out for a fee in excess of £30m. Interestingly, PSV themselves hold an interest in Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.
Meanwhile, Tammy Abraham has made his preference clear amidst interest from two Premier League clubs. The former Chelsea forward, currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma, is determined to join Aston Villa this month, despite late interest from Nottingham Forest. Villa also retain an interest in Newcastle United's Will Osula.
Deals Agreed and Exits Loom
Elsewhere, Bournemouth have agreed a deal worth £10.4million with Hungarian side Ferencvaros for midfielder Alex Toth. The agreement breaks down as £8.7m plus add-ons for the 20-year-old Hungarian international, who is set to arrive for a medical this weekend ahead of signing a five-and-a-half-year contract.
The Cherries are also active elsewhere, having submitted an offer of approximately £27.75m for 19-year-old Vasco da Gama winger Rayan.
At West Ham, midfielder Andrew Irving is in talks to join Sparta Prague in a surprise move, facilitated by Sparta owner Daniel Kretinsky's stake in the London club. The future of Lucas Paqueta also remains a topic of discussion, with the player increasingly doubtful for today's match against Tottenham amid interest from Flamengo.
Finally, away from the top flight, Norwich City striker Josh Sargent is pushing for a move to MLS side Toronto after being demoted to the club's under-21s. The USA international refused to play last weekend after a £13.5m bid from Toronto was rejected, with the player intent on a family return to North America. In other loan news, Manchester City forward Jaden Heskey has joined Sheffield Wednesday, and QPR goalkeeper Murphy Cooper has also moved.
