By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

18th Aug, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: 49ers ready to green light Leeds deal for Sargent

Leeds United’s American owners, 49ers Enterprises, are ready to back the club’s pursuit of Norwich City star Josh Sargent, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (18 August) that the Whites are considering a late-window swoop for the 23-year-old – who is part of the club’s striker shortlist.

Sargent is a fully-fledged United States international with five goals in 23 caps and featured for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 49ers, who own San Francisco’s NFL franchise, took full control at Leeds last month – despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Sky Sports claimed (18 July) the deal to buy the club from former owner Andrea Radrizzani valued the club at around £170million.

The investment group first became a minority shareholder in the Yorkshire giants in 2018 and steadily increased their holding.

Last summer (2022), Leeds moved to add USMNT duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson to their midfield – signings which helped increase their appeal in the United States.

Weston McKennie then joined Jesse Marsch’s side on loan from Juventus in the January window – but the former RB Leipzig coach was sacked just weeks later.

It is possible that all three players will no longer be part of the Leeds’ squad after the 1 September transfer deadline, but the 49ers are nonetheless open to bringing in more American talent this summer.

Sargent managed 13 goals and two assists in 40 league games last season as Norwich struggled to impose themselves on the promotion race.

The striker, who is under contract at Carrow Road until June 2025, is already off the mark this season after scoring in a 4-4 draw at Southampton last week (12 August).

In other news, Leeds on track for £40m boost after Elland Road development.