Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Armando Broja to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
What's the word?
That's according to a recent report by 90min, who claim that Victor Orta is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Chelsea centre-forward ahead of a potential move for the 20-year-old this summer - with Thomas Tuchel's side believed to be willing to part with the Albania international for a figure in the region of £30m.
The report goes on to state that West Ham United, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in the former Southampton loanee, with the Hammers believed to currently be leading the race for the striker's signature.
His "potential is scary"
Considering how exciting a talent Broja undoubtedly is, in addition to the signing of a new centre-forward reported to be one of Orta's primary targets in the summer transfer window, it is not difficult to see why the Spaniard would be interested in a deal to bring the Chelsea starlet to Elland Road ahead of the Whites' upcoming Premier League campaign.
Indeed, while a return of six goals over 32 Premier League appearances - only 21 of which came as starts - in 2021/22 is not exactly breathtaking form for a striker, the £34m-rated youngster more than proved that he possesses the ability to develop into a top-level forward in the future.
[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2" title="Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!"]
This is an opinion Jake Heasman clearly agrees with, as the former Chelsea TV presenter claimed that the 20-year-old is a player whose "potential is scary," while Albania's assistant manager, Sergio Porrini, also heaped a considerable amount of praise on the centre-forward in an interview with TMW Radio earlier this year.
Regarding Broja, Porrini said: "From last year to this he has grown a lot and, at Southampton, he has exploded. His greatest qualities are in his progression, especially the ball and chain... in the spaces he is devastating. His gifts are of those of someone who knows how to hurt in any environment."
The Albania coach is correct in his identification of the £8.5k-per-week striker's best attributes, as, according to FBref data, Broja ranks in the top 19% of forwards in Europe's big five leagues for dribbles completed and the top 31% for progressive carries per 90 over the last 365 days.
However, the Chelsea academy graduate also impresses in defensive metrics, with FBref ranking the youngster in the top 18% for interceptions per 90, as well as the top 24% for blocks and the top 28% for pressures over the past 12 months - all of which would very much appear to suit Jesse Marsch's system at Elland Road.
As such, while it would appear as if Orta will face a stern fight if he is to seal a deal for the Albanian sensation this summer, Broja is undoubtedly a talent who is well worth the Spaniard scrapping for.
AND in other news: Victor Orta now given green light for "massive" £34m Leeds signing, imagine him & Roca