flag
back Back
Leeds United Scout 'Phenomenal' Goal Machine Wanted by Newcastle and Man Utd
via Reuters

Nov 11, 2026, 7:16 AM GMT

Jamie is a Welsh football journalist based in Valencia, Spain. 

He studied journalism at the University of South Wales and published a football book, named Bluebird Heaven, around the same time with Pitch Publishing.

Since then, Jamie has continued to specialise in football journalism, PR and football-related Spanish translation. He has worked with a number of media companies, including Reach PCL, Iconic Group and many more over a decade-long career.

Sign in to your GiveMeSport account

Leeds United are said to have joined Manchester United and Newcastle United in scouting a reliable goalscorer as they contemplate strengthening their front line. Dinamo Zagreb's Dion Beljo is said to be the man piquing the interest of the Whites, who are in need of goals.

The Whites have had a solid start to the season, and while there were concerns over their form after going five games without a win, a big home win over Tottenham has put things back in perspective. Daniel Farke's men didn't come particularly close to relegation last season, but they were involved in the relegation battle, but they currently sit ninth in the table, which represents a significant improvement.

But there are still some issues to be ironed out, and one of them is the front line. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has provided four goals this season, but he needs more help and competition. In fact, the Whites have only scored 10 goals in the league this season, making them the joint-third-lowest scorers in the league.

Farke also has Mateo Joseph and Lukas Nmecha as striking options, but the former has been dealing with an injury issue, and Nmecha is not a goalscorer. To take the next step in their evolution, the Whites may well need a clinical finisher, and Beljo is one of the names to have been suggested.

Beljo could provide Leeds' missing goals

Dion Beljo

The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for Zagreb, scoring 13 goals in 11 league games and four in just three Europa League appearances.

According to TeamTalk, Leeds and Newcastle United watched Beljo in action in England recently, when Zagreb paid Sunderland in the Europa League and Beljo scored the second of two goals to secure a 2-0 away win. Manchester United have also been linked, with Beljo clearly a reliable goalscorer, already amassing 115 goals at senior level in a relatively young career. He also has four senior caps for Croatia, scoring once.

Premier League Era Before or After

Did it happen before or after?

Round 1 of 9

Leeds could well bid Nmecha goodbye in January, especially given he is out of contract next summer, meaning the winter window could be their last chance to get some money back for the German, if he doesn't agree a pre-contract agreement in the meantime.

Replacing Nmecha with a reliable hitman would be a wise move, and while we don't know if Beljo will be a hit in the Premier League, his numbers suggest he is more dangerous in front of goal than Nmecha.

A Bar Chart Depicting Lowest-Scoring PL Teams 202627 Including Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Coventry (1)

Beljo scored 31 goals in 36 league games last season, leading his admittedly biased agent, Srđan Lakić, to say: "I said already two years ago in an interview, and I always say this, that I think Beljo is the best Croatian striker.

"Beljo is having a phenomenal season. He's immediately behind Kane, Haaland and Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. Not many players in the Croatian league have scored in that manner. That deserves respect."

Beljo is under contract at Dinamo Zagreb until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at £12.5million, but he is likely to cost more, especially in the usually expensive winter window.

You may like

Ben Jacobs: Man Utd Hold Talks Over Two More Managers With Pochettino Lead Candidate

givemesport.com 11 hours ago

Ipswich vs. Bournemouth: Evanilson makes history after shocking goalkeeper error

sportsmole.co.uk 2 days ago

Next Man United manager: Five signings Mauricio Pochettino could make in January to boost Red Dev...

sportsmole.co.uk 15 hours ago

Arsenal monitor Leverkusen striker Kofane

bbc.co.uk 1 day ago

Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta quoted '£67m' for Bundesliga winger Gunners could have signed...

sportsmole.co.uk 12 hours ago

Stevenage captain Piergianni signs contract extension

aol.com 21 hours ago

Defining day for Delap?

aol.com 2 days ago

‘Shocked’ - Why Man Utd Hired Erik ten Hag Over Mauricio Pochettino in 2022

givemesport.com 16 hours ago

Man Utd Already Have 'Frightening' Star Who Would Be Pochettino's Next Son Heung-Min

givemesport.com 11 hours ago