'Something to explore' - Ex-Aston Villa and Reading man Ørjan Nyland mooted as transfer option for Leeds United
A former Premier League scout has suggested a World Cup star as a potential transfer option for Leeds United
A former Premier League scout has claimed he would be “surprised” if Leeds United did not cast an eye over free agent goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
There is plenty of uncertainty in the goalkeeping department at Elland Road, with Karl Darlow out of contract and doubts lingering over the future of Lucas Perri.
Darlow leapfrogged Perri in the pecking order last season, although could seek pastures new this summer having reportedly received offers from Manchester United and Everton.
Leeds have been linked with an array of goalkeepers, including Parma and Japan star Zion Suzuki. Like Suzuki, Norway international Nyland has impressed at the World Cup. He recently helped his country eliminate Brazil, setting up a quarter-final showdown with England.
Norway goalkeeper mooted as potential Leeds United option
Mick Brown, a former scout for the likes of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, has suggested Nyland is a player Leeds could look at.
He told Football Insider: “Signing a new goalkeeper has been a big part of Leeds' plans this summer. Karl Darlow had a strong season for them, but Lucas Perri struggled, and they've been looking at a number of potential options to improve on what they've already got.
“They've been aware that they need a new goalkeeper and scouts have been watching some of their targets, while they will also have been keeping an eye on the World Cup.
“Norway's goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, has had an outstanding tournament so far and I would be very surprised if he wasn't somebody they had a look at.
“If he could perform for Leeds the way he has for Norway so far, he would be a significant upgrade on their current options, and they could certainly do a lot worse.
“His age probably isn't ideal, he wouldn't be a signing for the future, but on a free transfer it's definitely something to explore."
Nyland is a seasoned operator at 35 and has spent the last three years in La Liga with Sevilla. He is no stranger to English football either, having represented Aston Villa, Norwich City, AFC Bournemouth and Reading.
His recent outing against Brazil was his 75th at senior level for Norway, who first capped the goalkeeper in 2013.