Managing Leeds as £30m Premier League striker snapped up and green light for England ace

Securing Premier League survival for newly promoted teams is increasingly appearing to be the toughest challenge in football. Now, Daniel Farke and Leeds United will be stepping up to the plate, aiming to finish above those dreaded dotted lines after securing promotion from the Championship.

Last year, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton were relegated as swiftly as they were promoted, mirroring the fate of Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United the previous year. Fulham, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest were the last teams to avoid immediate relegation, achieving this feat in the 2022/23 season. Survival looks set to be as costly as it is challenging for Leeds, who have already been active in the transfer market, and with just under a month until the start of the new Premier League season, Express Sport examines potential incoming transfers...

Nick Pope green light

One of Leeds' initial priorities will likely be securing a new goalkeeper, given the uncertain future of Illan Meslier. The Frenchman was benched for their final seven matches of the Championship season.

Speaking of goalkeepers with uncertain futures, Newcastle United's Nick Pope could emerge as a potential, budget-friendly option. The 33-year-old's tenure at St James' Park may be drawing to a close, as the Magpies are pursuing £40million-rated Burnley No.1 James Trafford.

A move to the North East could pave the way for Leeds United to secure the services of goalkeeper Pope, who will also be eyeing a spot in England's 2026 World Cup squad and would likely demand a starting position.

£30m Premier League striker

Sky Sports reported in May that Leeds have been considering a swoop for Everton's Beto. The forward from Guinea Bissau had a slow start under Sean Dyche but flourished under David Moyes, netting seven goals in 19 appearances.

His efforts helped Everton climb to 13th place, away from the relegation zone. However, having cost the Toffees £20m, it's expected that any potential suitor would need to fork out at least £30m for his services.

Leeds reportedly have a budget of up to £100m for this transfer window, a figure they could potentially exceed. They've already brought in free agent Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg and Udinese defender Jaka Bijol.

Serie A hitman

Meanwhile, Nikola Krstovic of Serie A side Lecce remains on Leeds' radar. The Montenegro striker had an impressive run last season, contributing 11 goals and five assists in 37 Serie A matches.

His goals were the lifeline that saved Lecce from relegation, finishing just three points clear of 18th placed Empoli.

Such a prolific striker, who outscored Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic and former Chelsea star Christian Pulisic, could be an irresistible prospect for Leeds United.

The player is believed to be valued at approximately £25.6m, and Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport suggests that Leeds may have the go-ahead to make their move, as Lecce are reportedly in discussions to sign Basel's Kevin Carlos who would essentially fill the void left by the striker.

European finalist

In other news, Leeds, having already secured Bijol, are also eyeing Real Betis defender Natan, as reported by Estadio Deportivo. Interestingly, the Brazilian was on loan from Napoli last season before making his move permanent this summer.

The report claims that Leeds, along with Lazio and two unnamed clubs, have shown interest in the defender, but it's also reported that a £23.3m bid has been rejected by the La Liga side, although it remains unclear which club made the offer.

Should he join Leeds, Natan would likely form a new defensive partnership with recent signing Bijol. While this could be a gamble, it might also be the solution to Leeds' defensive woes.