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Leeds United are reportedly interested in a move for centre-forward Raul De Tomas, who plays for an Espanyol side that have been relegated from La Liga.

Spanish publication AS claims that Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa wants to bring the 25-year-old to Elland Road ahead of next season in the Premier League.

It is understood that the Spanish forward is in demand this summer, with a number of top-flight teams in his homeland interested in his signature, as well as interest from the Premier League and in Italy.

The report details that he will cost around £20.7million and one disadvantage Leeds may have in trying to sign him is they can’t offer European football next season.

De Tomas scored five goals in 15 games following his mid-season switch to Espanyol, but was unable to keep them in the Spanish top-flight and it looks like his future may now lie elsewhere.

He’s an ex-Real Madrid academy player that has played in Spain as well as a brief spell in Portugal with Benfica, but has never played in English football before.

TBR’s View:

Despite Patrick Bamford’s influential role as the main striker last season in the Championship promotion, Leeds need to be looking for another centre-forward to compete alongside him at Elland Road following the return to the Premier League.

Bielsa needs a frontman with a great work-rate to fit his attacking system, but most of all a natural goalscorer will be required to keep the Yorkshire team up.

De Tomas looks a risky target for around £20million given his lack of experience at the top level and banking on someone like him during a first year in the Premier League would make little sense.