Lazio centre-forward Felipe Caicedo is edging close to joining Leeds United, according to Il Tempo.
The Italian newspaper claim in their latest edition (Saturday, 7 July) the Championship giants are keen to land the Ecuador international and Lazio are now willing to listen to offers for the player.
Speculation linking Caicedo with a move to Elland Road has intensified in recent days as the club look for solutions to their need for a proven striker.
Good move for Leeds?
Any striker good enough to represent Manchester City 35 times during the Abu Dhabi era demands respect. Given that he is a 68-times international who has netted 22 times for his country and scored goals in various major European leagues – including the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A – Caicedo is far more than just an inadequate back-up option. He may have blown out 29 candles on his birthday cake and was as often a substitute as not last season when making 29 Lazio appearances, but the front man is powerful, quick and has an eye for goal. He would be a massive upgrade on Caleb Ekuban, Kemar Roofe and 2017-18 loanee Pierre-Michael Lasogga.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It’s certainly possible, given that United have yet to make a breakthrough in their pursuit of a proven goalscorer. Moves for Abel Hernandez and Derby County’s Matej Vydra have yet to amount to a transfer, and the club are running out of time with just a month remaining before the window for permanent deals shuts.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10