Leeds United are on the verge of securing the signing of Chievo Verona’s 23-year-old striker Caleb Ekuban, according to a reliable Italian journalist.
Gianluigi Longari, who works as a correspondent for Sport Italia and Tutto Mercato Web, reported on his personal Twitter account that the 23-year-old was about to complete his move to Elland Road:
Chievo l'attaccante Ekuban sta per firmare con il Leeds United #chievo #lufc
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) July 7, 2017
His tweet translates to: “Chievo striker Ekuban is about to sign with Leeds United.”
Ekuban is yet to make an appearance for the senior side of Serie A club Chievo, having come through the youth ranks before joining a host on clubs on loan spells since 2013.
Last season saw him join Albanian side FK Partizani, where he demonstrated some impressive form in the domestic league, as well as earning the experience of playing in the Champions League qualifiers.
Able to play as an out-and-out striker or on either flank, he made 42 appearances for Partizani across all competitions, firing home 18 goals as well as picking up five assists, with his goal scoring record seemingly attracting the attention of Leeds.
However, it was the first season that he has managed to hit double figures while playing for a senior side, and there may be doubts whether he has the quality to succeed in England’s second tier.
Leeds’ new boss Thomas Christiansen will be looking to improve his striker force next season, with the Whites relying heavily on Chris Wood for their goals during the last campaign.
He finished as the Championship’s top scorer and hit 30 goals across all competitions, but the next top scorers were Kyle Bartley, Souleymane Doukara and Pablo Hernandez with just six goals apiece.