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Stuttgart Official Confirms 'Serious' Leeds Interest in Striker Nicolas Gonzalez

By Jamie Spencer

Leeds are in pursuit of striker Nicolas Gonzalez
Leeds are in pursuit of striker Nicolas Gonzalez / DeFodi Images/Getty Images
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Leeds United were ‘very serious’ about trying to sign Stuttgart striker Nicolas Gonzalez this summer, the German club’s sporting director Sven Mislintat has confirmed. But a deal is not currently considered likely unless Leeds improve their offers to both the player and club.

Only turning 22 in April, Gonzalez enjoyed a breakout season with Stuttgart in 2019/20, scoring 14 times in 2. Bundesliga to help drive Stuttgart’s promotion back to the top flight.

Gonzalez scored 14 goals in 2. Bundesliga in 2019/20
Gonzalez scored 14 goals in 2. Bundesliga in 2019/20 / Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

His form piqued Leeds’ interest, but Mislintat, a former head of recruitment at Arsenal, has revealed that Stuttgart have not been in a position where a deal to sell has been close.

“I don't see [a departure] coming for now,” Mislintat told the German media this week, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post. “We had a lot of rumours in the beginning. It was very serious with Leeds. But at no point it was really convincing for him or for us.”

Leeds secured the permanent signing of Helder Costa last month and recently also brought in Wigan teenager Joe Gelhardt, but the club is keen to further strengthen in attacking areas to ensure that a first spell back in the Premier League in 16 years lasts longer than one season.

Marcelo Bielsa wants to add attackers to his Leeds squad
Marcelo Bielsa wants to add attackers to his Leeds squad / George Wood/Getty Images

90min has been informed by a source that the Yorkshire club are confident of striking a deal for Rangers winger Ryan Kent, with the player making it known to his Glasgow employers that he wants the chance to move back to England.

Leeds are also keeping an eye on Girona veteran Cristhian Stuani and former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, who is currently a free agent after rejecting a new contract on the south coast, while
Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, Valencia’s Rodrigo, and Liverpool pair Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster have also all been linked with an Elland Road switch in the last week alone.