Revealed: Leeds fended off eleventh-hour Leicester move to sign Joel Piroe

Leeds United fended off late interest from Leicester City to complete a deal for striker Joel Piroe, sources have told Football Insider.

The Foxes were interested in the 24-year-old, who established himself as a proven Championship goalscorer during his time at Swansea City.

But Leeds announced the signing of Piroe last week (24 August), with the Dutchman signing a four-year deal at Elland Road.

The Whites paid a reported fee of more than £10million to Swansea City.

Piroe started just days later in Leeds’ 4-3 win over Ipswich Town and opened his account for the Yorkshire side within 20 minutes.

Promotion rivals Southampton also submitted a bid for the prolific striker.

Football Insider revealed last week (24 August) that Southampton boss Russell Martin was keen to be reunited with the ex-Swansea star.

He thrived under Martin last term, notching 20 goals and two assists in 45 games across all competitions.

In the previous 2021-22 campaign, Piroe managed 22 strikes and six assists.

Leicester are bracing to lose more of their stars before Friday’s (1 September) deadline.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (29 August), the Foxes could lose striker duo Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho before the cut-off.

It is believed that manager Enzo Maresca and his recruitment team have identified a list of potential targets in the event of their exits.

Leicester are the only Championship team to hold a 100% record after four second-tier games.

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