Leeds United identify Crystal Palace, Brentford and Nottingham Forest-linked Jonathan Burkardt as 'target'
Leeds United have reportedly identified Eintracht Frankfurt frontman Jonathan Burkardt as a transfer target.
The 25-year-old has been among the most impressive attacking operators in Germany across recent years, consistently delivering admirable goal hauls.
He was lured from Mainz 05 last summer and has already bagged 11 goals in 22 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt. Among his teammates are former Leeds defenders Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch.
The German market is one Leeds keep a close eye and it appears Burkardt may have cropped up on the club’s radar.
Leeds United linked with Bundesliga star
According to SportsBoom, the Germany international has attracted attention from a clutch of Premier League clubs.
Leeds are believed to have picked him out as a target and Crystal Palace are also thought to have their sights set on the marksman.
Nottingham Forest and Brentford, meanwhile, are reportedly keeping tabs on the prolific forward.
Leeds United’s frontline
Leeds have been linked with an array of frontmen in recent weeks, suggesting the top end of the pitch will be a focus for the Whites in the summer.
It would hardly be a surprise to see Leeds look to sharpen up their attack given they have not scored in any of their last four league games.
The goals have dried up for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and no one has stepped up to make up for his dip in form. Leeds have not scored a league goal from open play since February 10, when they drew 2-2 with Chelsea.
It is not as straightforward as just throwing money at forwards and there are tactical tweaks Leeds can make to become more dangerous.
However, intensifying competition for Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe is something the club may look to do.
Daniel Farke ‘not alarmed’
After his side’s 0-0 draw with Brentford at the weekend, Whites boss Daniel Farke insisted he was not alarmed by the recent struggle for goals.
He said: “I’m not alarmed because over the course of 38 games, you have these periods. Overall, we have scored many goals. We have had periods where we have conceded too many. It’s more the other way around [now].
“I’m happy that we have [kept] clean sheets in this game, [against] Crystal Palace and also in the FA Cup game against Norwich. Today, I would judge this game isolated because they had a really, really good defensive area. You have to accept this.”