JUST IN :Journalist shares what he’s heard from Leeds as 49ers ready funds for striker

Reporter Pete O’Rourke has given an important update on Leeds United’s pursuit of a new striker, as they look set to land their main target.

   Leeds Championship form and transfer news
   The Whites suffered a major disappointment at the office on Saturday lunchtime as their first game after the international break ended in defeat.    Daniel Farke’s side were beaten 1-0 at home to Burnley in a match between the Championship’s two highest-placed sides, who have dealt an early blow to their promotion hopes.

   It means Leeds are out of the play-offs after five games, having won just twice this season, so there is an element of pressure on Farke even if the results have been more positive than negative.

   As for the future of the current players, left-back Junior Firpo is now said to be ready to sign a new deal at Elland Road to join Wilfried Gnont after recently doing the same, which is a huge boost for the club.

   While seven goals in five games is far from a poor return for Leeds, it appears they are looking at a new striker in the coming months, especially after Georginio Rutter completed a move to Brighton in the summer transfer window.

   Reporter updates search for Leeds striker

   According to exciting new information from Fotball Insider’s O’Rourke, Leeds will look to sign the striker in January, with owners 49ers Enterprises set to make the money available to sign the new striker.

   Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda has been tipped as a possible option for the Whites, having already scored and assisted twice in five games for the Black Cats this season, but others are likely to be looked at.

   Although O’Rourke has stated that Mayenda is “unlikely” to complete a move to Elland Road, he is someone Leeds should continue to monitor and may be looking to lure to the club eventually.

   At just 19, the Sunderland star has been impressive in the Championship as well, highlighted by his aforementioned goals and assists this season, so he could be a long-term signing and front-runner.    His current manager, Regis Le Bris, is believed to admire “his willingness to learn and how quickly he was able to grasp the demands placed on him in his non-possessive job”.

   Admittedly, Mayenda’s age means he is still a raw footballer and not necessarily someone who can come in and consistently lead the line from the start, something Farke could arguably do in the fight for promotion.