Leeds could seal 'massive signing' in 104-cap icon at Elland Road

Leeds United target Dries Mertens would be a “massive signing” for the club, claims journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Having narrowly avoided relegation last term, the Yorkshire outfit could have a busy summer ahead as Jesse Marsch aims to strengthen his playing staff.

Mertens’ contract at Napoli is set to expire at the end of the month, although there is the option for it to be extended by a further year.

However, The Transfer Exchange Show has claimed that the 35-year-old is on the verge of ending his nine-year stay at the Serie A club, and he is attracting interest from other clubs, including Leeds.

Mertens scored 11 goals in 2021/22 for Napoli as they finished in third place to seal their return to the Champions League.

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Mertens has had a fine career, winning 104 caps for Belgium along the way. O’Rourke believes he would be an excellent addition to Marsch’s squad.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It would be a massive signing for Leeds United to get someone of the calibre of Dries Mertens, who’s had a wonderful career for club and country. He’s been a stalwart for Napoli, and he’s been part of that great Belgium team over the last few years as well.”

Absolutely.

Leeds had a torrid second campaign back in the Premier League last season, and almost paid the ultimate price as they came perilously close to dropping back into the Championship.

One of their main issues was that Patrick Bamford missed the majority of the campaign due to injury, and there was no natural replacement for him in the team.

As a result, Leeds often looked blunt in attack, which led to them only scoring 42 league goals – 20 less than the previous year.

Mertens has netted 148 goals in