Leeds United are reportedly keeping tabs on Mainz striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta according to Football Insider.
This is of course to be taken with a sizeable pinch of salt with Football Insider’s sources known to be inconsistent at best.
The Whites have been linked with several players in the early days of the January transfer window, with Julian Draxler, Michael Olise and Manu Kone, as well as a double-deal with Fiorentina for Christian Kouame and Erick Pulgar.
Most of the linked players are central midfielders as Leeds tried to sign one in the summer window, but a deal for Michael Cuisance fell through at the last minute.
Mateta joins the party of linked players in fine form, scoring seven goals and assisting one in the Bundesliga from 11 matches worth of minutes, while scoring three goals from two DFB-Pokal matches.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been absolutely unplayable.
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 22, 2020
The Frenchman grabs his hat-trick, and Mainz are CRUISING towards their first Bundesliga win of the season! pic.twitter.com/NCN6oPW50E
The 23-year-old offers a strong build, towering at 6ft 3in while also being quick off-the-mark, with his goal record much improving last season’s tally of three goals and one assist after scoring 14 in 2018/19.
The Whites are looking into extending main-man Patrick Bamford’s contract, which has just 18 months left before expiration. The 27-year-old has entered his prime but is perhaps in need of more support as Tyler Roberts’ possible exit was hinted at by Marcelo Bielsa.
Mateta could offer strong competition for Bamford up-top, with his big-man style and build coupled with his pace and good finishing could make for a potent mix with Bielsa’s style in The Premier League.