Report: Leeds now want 12-goal striker on Atletico Madrid’s shopping list

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Leeds United are interested in rivalling Atletico Madrid for Giovanni Simeone, with Marcelo Bielsa keen on signing the striker for next season, according to Italian outlet L’Arena.

Simeone is within touching distance of his best season yet. The 26-year-old has scored 12 Serie A goals for Hellas Verona. Only Dusan Vlahovic and Ciro Immobile have found the back of the net more often in the league this term.

His best tally is 14 from his first campaign with Fiorentina.

Simeone is currently on loan from Cagliari. And Verona can reportedly make his move permanent for just over £10 million.

Interestingly, it would appear that they may be open to making a quick profit on Simeone should they activate the option to sign the forward permanently.

L’Arena reports that Atletico want the Argentina international. Of course, a move to the city of his birth would see Simeone work with his father, Diego at Atleti.

However, the report adds that Bielsa is also eyeing Simeone for next season. It is suggested that his current asking price would be at least £15.1 million (€18 million). However, the report claims that his valuation could rise to £19.3 million with an impressive second-half of the campaign.

Leeds face uphill battle with Atletico Madrid also keen on Giovanni Simeone

Simeone has been a decent goalscorer throughout his career. He averages a little worse than a goal every three games. And at 26, he may only be reaching the peak of his powers.

Leeds do need more quality up front. Patrick Bamford has been outstanding in the Premier League. But his absence due to injury this season has highlighted the lack of depth the Whites have in the final third.

Joe Gelhardt looks a special talent, but he is not yet the finished article. Rodrigo has not the heights often enough. And Tyler Roberts’s best displays have come in the number 10 position.

So signing Simeone could potentially be a smart piece of business.

Having said that, convincing him to snub the chance to work with Atletico, and his father, is surely going to be difficult.