Leeds United reportedly linked with January move for Orlando’s Cyle Larin

Leeds United did a number of good signings during the summer transfer window, including bringing aboard a number of new strikers to replace Chris Wood after the big Kiwi left for Burnley in a big money deal.

Now The Daily Star is reporting that Leeds United is interested in bringing Canada international Cyle Larin to Elland Road during the January transfer window in a £2 million deal. The 22 year-old Larin currently plays for Orlando City in Major League Soccer in the United States.

Larin has 11 goals in 24 appearances for Orlando City so far this season, but Orlando has suffered a loss of form after a good start to their season. Legal issues earlier in the season disrupted Larin’s season, as he was arrested for drink driving in Orlando after driving the wrong way down a highway, and subsequently was found to have over twice the legal limit for BAC. He served a suspension and was likely put into a diversion program as per the agreement that MLS has with the Player’s Association.

Orlando City is also currently reeling from having another one of their key players, vice-captain Will Johnson, arrested as well. Johnson was arrested for domestic violence on Wednesday 6 September.

Orlando City will be looking to get their players out of the police blotters as they regroup for next year, as it looks like they will not be involved in the playoffs this season in MLS. They traded for star striker Dom Dwyer, an Englishman who made his name at Sporting Kansas City, earlier this year and despite the move, failed to make a move up in the standings. Larin had been rumored to be on the move before, but his legal troubles will have raised red flags.

He has also been linked with a move to Besiktas in Turkey.

On the face, this rumor seems a bit dodgy, but the Daily Star was right about the Chris Wood rumors. And it’s no secret that Larin and the team might want to move on. He’s a young talented player, but MLS players have often found the transition to the Championship difficult. This is a rumor to watch for again in January, after the MLS season is finished (MLS runs on a similar schedule to Sweden for similar ice and snow related reasons) and the second transfer window opens.