Leeds United have moved into pole position in the race to sign Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi, as Hull City have reportedly pulled out of the fight to sign him.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Muriqi move
The Whites are yet to make any additions in the January transfer window, and although money is relatively tight, at least one new face is surely required given the injury crisis running through the squad.
Muriqi is one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add more firepower to ease the burden on Patrick Bamford, who himself has missed time with ankle and hamstring issues this season.
The towering 6 foot 4 striker has scored 18 goals in just 37 caps for Kosovo, not to mention being compared to legendary attacker Robert Lewandowski, too.
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The Latest: Positive update emerges
According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Hull have dropped out of the race to sign Muriqi, heightening the chances of Leeds acquiring his signature.
It is claimed that the Whites 'remain standing' in the battle, with Championship side West Brom also showing an interest.
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The Verdict: Worth a gamble?
In truth, Muriqi has had a tough time of things at Lazio, failing to score or assist in 15 appearances in all competitions this season.
Despite those obvious struggles, the Kosovan's international record shows what he is capable of, not to mention the aforementioned comparisons with the world-class Lewandowski.
He once produced a stunning display for his nation in a 5-3 defeat to England, scoring once and assisting the other two goals, winning three aerial duels and completing two dribbles, earning a team-high 9.11 match rating (Whoscored).
If Leeds managed to bring him in on loan this month, or potentially sign him permanently on the cheap, it would provide Bielsa with a much-needed extra option, filling the void left by Bamford and taking pressure off the young shoulders of Joe Gelhardt.
In other news, Leeds have also been linked with another signing - find out who it is here.