Leeds United are being tipped to pursue Norwegian international goalkeeper Orjan Nyland as they look to strengthen between the posts this summer.
Nyland is currently a free agent after his contract with Sevilla expired, making him an attractive option for clubs operating on tighter budgets.
The 35-year-old has caught the attention of scouts across Europe with a string of impressive performances for Norway at the ongoing World Cup.
Insider Mick Brown has indicated that Leeds have been monitoring potential goalkeeping targets and that Nyland fits the profile they are looking for.
Brown said: “They’ve been aware that they need a new goalkeeper and scouts have been watching some of their targets, while they will also have been keeping an eye on the World Cup.”
He added: “Norway’s goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, has had an outstanding tournament so far and I would be very surprised if he wasn’t somebody they had a look at.”
Brown was also clear about the potential impact Nyland could have at Elland Road if a deal were to come together this summer.
“If he could perform for Leeds the way he has for Norway so far, he would be a significant upgrade on their current options, and they could certainly do a lot worse,” Brown said.
The pundit acknowledged that Nyland’s age works against him as a long-term solution, but believes the financial terms could make a move hard to ignore.
Brown said: “His age probably isn’t ideal, he wouldn’t be a signing for the future, but on a free transfer it’s definitely something to explore.”
Leeds are in clear need of a dependable goalkeeper, with Karl Darlow considered to be in the twilight stages of his career at the club.
The situation has been further complicated by the departure of Illan Meslier, who left Elland Road following the expiry of his contract.
Nyland has previous experience of English football, having played for Aston Villa during his time in the Premier League, which could smooth any potential transition.
Signing a goalkeeper of his experience and current World Cup form on a free transfer would represent strong business for a club that needs to invest wisely across the squad.
Leeds will be hoping the situation develops positively over the coming weeks as they push to address one of their most pressing needs ahead of next season.
