This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Leeds United are interested in signing Canadian striker Cyle Larin from Besiktas as they look ahead to possible summer transfers, according to Turkish media outlet Fotospor, with the 24-year-old currently on loan at Belgian side Zulte Waregem, where he has impressed contributing 18 goals during his 29 appearances for the club.
The Canadian international has previously played for MLS side Orlando City, where he netted 44 goals in 89 appearances, while also representing his country 31 times.
So would Larin be a good addition at Elland Road?
We discuss..........
Kris Smith
“If Leeds go up, then there is no question that they will exercise their option to buy Jean-Kevin Augustin, but if they don’t then looking elsewhere is the only option.
“Larin has been in decent form in the Belgian division this season, scoring seven and assisting five in 25 games, but I don’t think this would translate well to the Championship.
“Kemar Roofe is currently playing in the same division and has six goals in 13 appearances, yet he couldn’t start over Bamford towards the end of the season, because Bielsa sees the latter as more equipped for the role.
“I’m not sure that this would be a strong addition if Leeds harbour ambitions of playing in the Premier League as nothing suggests he would be an improvement on Bamford.”
Can you score 100% in our Leeds United quiz? Go on give it a go now!
Phil Spencer
“A move for a striker looks likely to be a priority for Leeds United this summer.
“Jean-Kevin Augustin is currently on loan at Elland Road with the Yorkshire side holding an option to make the deal permanent, however that could depend on whether the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
“Patrick Bamford has also attracted criticism from certain quarters to far this term which means that Victor Orta may well have an eye out for potential attacking additions.
“Cyle Larin may just be one name on a long list of potential targets, but it could certainly be shrewd if they can secure a cut-price deal for the forward.
"His record in the Belgian league is decent, and if the Whites see a move as being good value for money then they might see it as a deal worth doing.
“However you’d imagine that it would only materialise if they were to stay in the Championship, as they may set their sights higher if promoted.”
Alfie Burns
“There’s no doubt in my mind that another striker is needed at Elland Road in the summer, no matter what division the Whites find themselves in.
“If they go up and land the service of Jean-Kevin Augustin, they need another alternative to Patrick Bamford, whose flaky goalscoring won’t be good enough for the Premier League.
“On the other hand, should they stick in the Championship, Augustin is out of their price-range and another move for someone less high-profile in Europe might be a good idea.
“Larin has scored goals consistently this season in Belgium, but there’s always the question of whether strikers of this ilk can cut it in English football. Do you get a Becchio or a Habibou?
“It’d be interesting to see.”