Journalist Dean Jones has provided an exciting claim regarding Leeds United's transfer dealings...

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider suggested that the Yorkshire club could be in line to make a shock swoop for a high profile signing, with that figure potentially a "bigger name" than current forward targets Arnaud Kalimuendo and Charles De Ketelaere.

Jones stated: “I think that there are loads of different names on the radar. I think they might even surprise us and get a bigger name that suddenly doesn’t fit in at another club. I’d say that they’re not going to rush into it.”

The Elland Road outfit have already made significant investment so far this summer, bringing in six new faces in an attempt to spark a drastic improvement upon last season's narrow escape from relegation.

Surprise for Leeds supporters

That suggestion from a reliable source in Jones could spark a great deal of intrigue among Whites supporters, with speculation set to be rife as to just who that potential 'surprise' could be.

A new forward addition has become a priority amid the injury woes of current number nine Patrick Bamford, with the Englishman restricted to just nine Premier League appearances last season, having previously enjoyed a fine campaign in the top flight the year prior.

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Having netted 17 league goals in the 2020/21 campaign, his lengthy spell on the sidelines last term ensured that he followed that up with a tally of just two goals and two assists in the top tier, with Jesse Marsch's side almost paying the price for their lack of adequate striking cover.

The club's top scorer last season had been Raphinha - who bagged 11 times in all competitions - although the Brazilian has just recently agreed a deal to join La Liga giants Barcelona. Meanwhile, the man who finished below the 25-year-old - Jack Harrison (10 goals) - has been linked with a move to Newcastle United in the current transfer window.

With a potential dearth of attacking options at Leeds, a new recruit is of paramount importance between now and the start of the new campaign, hence the interest in Kalimuendo and De Ketelaere, although sporting director Victor Orta will be keen to ensure that any new addition is the right one.

A potential big name who has been bandied about of late is Belgian veteran Dries Mertens, with the 35-year-old - who is currently a free agent - undoubtedly the type of prolific forward who would be a real coup for Leeds, having scored 148 goals in 397 games in all competitions for his former club Napoli.

Whether the 105-cap dynamo comes through the door is another matter, although Leeds supporters will no doubt be licking their lips as to who the potential 'surprise' figure could be this summer after Jones' revelation.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for "formidable" £19m sensation, he's "one of the best"