Leeds join race for Champions League target

Leeds United are said to be interested in signing Cyle Larin from American franchise Orlando City.

The Canadian is currently in a hot streak of form in the MLS for the Florida based side having scored 3 goals in 5 appearances this season.

With Leeds aiming for high potential on low risk signings the club could be set to take a gamble on the forward in the hope his skills in the MLS can transfer over to English football.

It's well known that the club have bought smart over the summer and signings like Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Jay Roy Grot not breaking the bank while replacing Chris Wood.

Victor Orta and his scouting team have been incredibly busy in the summer and their recruitment drive now looks set to spill over in to January as they eye potential new signings for the club.

Larin, a 22-year old Canadian is one of the MLS' hottest properties at the moment having scoring an impressive 42 goals in 83 appearances during his time at Orlando.

Prior to his move to the Lions, Larin enjoyed a short spell at Ontario league side Sigma FC prior to being the first pick of the 2015 MLS Draft.

While at college, Larin spent time in Europe training at high profile German clubs including Werder Bremen, Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg before some time in Belgium.

With a reported £2million release clause in his contract it's no wonder Leeds are looking at the 6'2 long term replacement to Chris Wood, but they aren't the only club.

Rumours suggest that Everton have now registered their interest in the striker along with European supremos Benfica and Fenerbahce.

Should Leeds be able to pull off this deal it could be a massive coupe for Victor Orta and co.

Signing the most talented player in an emerging market in the MLS shows that Leeds really are scouring the planet for the next biggest thing.


By Ryan Ingham