OPINION
Leeds United are reportedly in the hunt to sign Derby County forward Matej Vydra this summer after making contact with the East Midlands club over a potential summer swoop.
The Yorkshire Evening Post claims that Leeds feel as though they can achieve a deal to sign Vydra, 26, this summer, even though he is valued at £10million by their Championship rivals.
The Czech goal machine would be a stunning addition for the Whites, and would be the defining transfer of Victor Orta’s spell as director of football if he manages to pull it off.
Vydra scored 22 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions with Derby last season as they reached the play-offs, and has made finding the back of the net in the Championship his forte having scored 65 in 187 outings in the second-tier.
Leeds need a prolific striker like that for next season, especially as Orta has so far failed to replace Chris Wood since he left for Burnley.
£10million would be a massive amount to spend and while the Whites are reportedly in talks with Abel Hernandez over a free transfer, owner Andrea Radrizzani may prefer Orta to go after the former Hull striker instead.
However Hernandez does not guarantee fitness, while Vydra can.
The Czech Republic international could be the difference between challenging for promotion next season, or another campaigns which effectively ends in February.