Leeds top West Ham in race to sign world-class striker as club made huge transfer call

Mateo Retegui has given his ‘complete approval’ to a summer move to Inter Milan, putting Premier League trio Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and West Ham in jeopardy of losing the Argentine-born Italy international.

Would Retegui have converted one of Leeds’ two chances in the dying seconds of Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with relegation rivals Leicester City? Marc Roca heading right at Daniel Iversen seconds before Patrick Bamford nominates himself for’miss of the season’?

With eight goals in 11 games for Tigre this season, the reportedly “world-class” Retegui’s record speaks for itself.

The Boca Juniors loanee, one of the game’s developing striker talents, hit an additional 23 goals in 2022. After Roberto Mancini used the ancient ‘Granny Rule’ to register Retegui for the Italian national team, the South American striker made his Azzurri debut with a characteristically well-taken finish against Gareth Southgate’s England in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Mateo Retegui, can you replace Patrick Bamford at Leeds United?

Crystal Palace, West Ham, and the aforementioned, goal-shy Leeds are all reported targets for Retegui this summer. However, after discussing his future with Victor Orta and co. a few weeks ago, the 6ft 1ins centre-forward may have left them with mixed feelings.

“My next club will be in Europe,” Retegui, said, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

However, the striker later stated that he would ‘love to try an experience in Serie A’.

Inter Milan is said to be willing to make him that offer. According to Calciomercato, Simone Inzaghi’s Champions League semi-finalists were among the first to make their approach, with Retegui giving his ‘complete approval’ to a prospective summer swap to the San Siro.

Inter must find a replacement for Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku. According to Calciomercato, Inter may also need to qualify for next season’s Champions League in order to bring Retegui in. The rewards of top-level European play would undoubtedly balance the club’s financial worries.

But, with Retegui evidently thrilled about donning blue and black, the early indicators are positive.

“Everything suggests that Retegui will be sold in June,” Tigre president Ezequiel Melarana said.”Several clubs are interested in Europe.” We will purchase him (permanently from Boca Juniors prior to cashing out).”