Leeds Utd transfer news: Sonny Perkins deal nears as report reveals Victor Orta considering double striker raid

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on signing Sonny Perkins with the former West Ham youngster now set to sign up at Elland Road.

Jesse Marsch’s side have enjoyed a superb transfer window so far. Having sailed so close to the wind of relegation last time out, efforts have been redoubled to ensure there is no repeat. To that end, Leeds have already brought in six new summer signings.

Just last week, Leeds signed American midfielder Tyler Adams and winger Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord. Both deals cost more than £20m – and their outlay breaks the £95m barrier. The lavish spending, however, was quite necessary. Their squad lacked depth and quality last season, with a number of key players spending long spells on the sidelines.

The excitement around the signings has brought a feel-good factor back to Leeds – although capturing Sinisterra comes with a warning.

The amount of money spent was also bolstered by the sale of talismanic midfielder Kalvin Phillips. His £42million move to Manchester City accounts for nearly half of their spending. And with progress made on the sale of RaphinhaLeeds could soon find themselves with a summer profit.

However, Leeds aren’t done yet and still want to bolster their squad with a big-name striker. Charles De Ketelaere appears at the very top of this wanted list, although a deal for the Belgian looks difficult.

Sonny Perkins charges will go to court

First though, Leeds look likely to win the race for Perkins. The teenage striker left West Ham when his contract expired on June 30. And it was reported in June that Leeds were keen to offer him a deal.

Now Leeds are favorites for his signing with Phil Hay of The Athletic suggesting he expects Los Blancos to seal his signature.

Tottenham and Aston Villa are also keen – but it looks like Leeds will win the race.

Let’s talk about the latest edition of The Phil Hay ShowHay said: “Perkins they [Leeds] really liked it and they wanted to move out earlier this summer.

As a free agent, Leeds will have to pay a development fee to West Ham if they land him. And Hay added: “He will have to go to court after deciding his next club.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if Perkins ended up here.”

Leeds also want the signing of a second striker

Once a signature for Perkins is sealed, Leeds United are always looking for another addition to add to their ranks.

Indeed, with Patrick Bamford playing just 560 minutes of Premier League football last season, it’s clear they need more depth.

The links with De Ketelaere are well documented and he remains the club’s number one target.

Even so, the Daily Mail fully expect Leeds to make another big move this summer if a move for De Ketelaere fails.

The Mail writes: “Director of Football Victor Orta is known to also want a striker with more experience…rather than 18-year-old Sonny Perkins, who is a target after leaving West Ham.”

Signing coverage and competition are entirely necessary for Leeds. And their whole summer largely hinges on getting another goalscorer through the door. Indeed, all their good work will be undermined to some degree if they don’t sign one.

Still, there are still plenty of days left in the summer window for the club to land one.

They deserve big applause for bringing in the six players they have so far – and a striker would really be the icing on the cake.

United, meanwhile, named their 26-man squad to leave for Australia on Sunday – with Raphinha left behind at Thorp Arch.