Leeds United had scouts in attendance as Aberdeen lost at Celtic on Saturday to observe Dons forward Sam Cosgrove, according to The Scottish Sun.
Cosgrove has become a highly admired talent this season, with Stoke City also joining long-term followers Derby County and Middlesbrough in tracking the 23-year-old.
The Beverley-born forward has struck 20 goals in 26 games across all competitions thus far this term, with his 11th Scottish Premiership hit coming against the Hoops on a day he would later receive his marching orders for a challenge on Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer.
Derby and Boro had talent spotters at Parkhead alongside ours as they continue to monitor Cosgrove’s progress, having established himself in Aberdeen’s first-team last season by starting 36 of his 44 appearances and scoring 21 times.
Dons Chairman Dave Cormack is not planning on losing his side’s young striker when the transfer market opens next month, and has stated that any potential deal will be done on the Scottish side’s terms or not at all.
Previous reports of Stoke’s interest in the 6 ft 3 centre-forward have suggested Aberdeen would demand £4million to part ways with Cosgrove, having only paid £250,000 to lure him from Carlisle United in January last year.
Would you pay £4m for Cosgrove?
Yes
No
Aberdeen would appear to be well set to hold out for a sizeable transfer fee given the number of Championship sides said to be interested, while Serie A giants Lazio are also said to have watched Cosgrove in action.
Cosgrove is one of many strikers to have been linked with a January move to Elland Road due to Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah’s uncertain future in West Yorkshire, though the Gunners are not expected to trigger their recall clause.
In other Leeds United news, the club are claimed to have moved on from a £3.6m-rated striker to replace Nketiah and will target a £50k-p/w hitman instead.