Reported Leeds United target Cyle Larin is seemingly a long-term Victor Orta favourite

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Leeds United are reportedly keeping tabs on Canadian international striker Cyle Larin, according to reports. 

It is being reported by Turkish outlet Fotospor that Leeds are keen on bringing in the 24-year-old from Besiktas. The striker was loaned out by the Turkish side at the start of the season and has subsequently been starring for Belgian outfit Zulte Waregem. In 29 games for the club, Larin has scored nine goals and provided nine assists. 

Some Leeds fans with good memories might find the name familiar as this is not the first time Larin has been linked with a move to Elland Road. 

Back in the summer of 2017, Leeds United were looking for striking replacements for Chris Wood. The New Zealand international had joined Premier League side Burnley in a reported (BBC) £15 million deal in August. 

Whilst the likes of Caleb Ekuban and Pierre-Michel Lasogga had been brought in, Leeds were still in the hunt for further additions to help then-manager Thomas Christiansen in his promotion bid come January.

Larin soon emerged as a target for director of football Victor Orta after his impressive form in MLS with Orlando City. The Sun On Sunday (10/09/2017) reported (as relayed in the Daily Star) that Leeds were considering a bid for the player when the January window opened. 

However, in December, The Sun suggested Leeds and Besiktas had missed out to German side Borussia Monchengladbach. That did not prove the case, with Besiktas eventually winning the battle to sign Larin in a deal reported by Pro Soccer USA to be worth around £1.85 million. 

In fact, it seems Orta’s interest may even predate his arrival at Leeds United. ClubCall reported Middlesbrough as being interested in April 2017, as reported by Gazette Live, with Orta not leaving the Riverside until a month later.

Now, as reported by Fotospor, Larin is being valued in the €4million (£3.5 million) range, which would make him an affordable option for the Whites. 

Time will tell if Orta can finally get his man and if, indeed, he truly wants to.