Rangers 'retain interest' over Leeds United star as 49ers link could prove key to summer transfer deal
Rangers and Leeds United are under the same ownership group.
Rangers are said to hold an interest in a Leeds United striker this summer - with the 49ers connection key.
49ers Enterprises own both the Ibrox club and Yorkshire outfit who play in the Premier League. No deals have been done between the clubs since Rangers were taken over by the American consortium last year alongside now-chairman Andrew Cavenagh but Joel Piroe has been prominently linked.
The striker was a mainstay in Daniel Farke’s side during their Championship promotion bid last season, scoring 19 goals en route back to the EPL, but has descended down the selection pecking order since. He is contracted at Elland Road until the summer of 2027 and TEAMtalk claim the 49ers link could now see Rangers interest firmed up. Joe Geldhart has spent the season on loan at Hull City from Elland Road and has also been linked with a summer switch to Glasgow. Birmingham City are another team claimed to have a passing interest.
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Reporting states: “Leeds United striker Joel Piroe will spend the next few weeks considering his options as a move away from Elland Road gathers pace and with the Whites making it clear the frontman does not figure in their plans, sources can confirm.
“With Leeds looking to offload him this summer to free up squad space and funds, and with a replacement already high on the summer wishlist at Elland Road, Piroe has been told he is not central to their plans. Rangers retain interest in the striker, with Middlesbrough also linked by sources, alongside other Championship sides and potential European options.
“The 49ers’ shared ownership link between Leeds and Rangers facilitates potential talks and potentially hands the Scottish giants an advantage in any summer transfer race. Rangers view him as a potential solution to their goalscoring issues, with manager Danny Rohl very much keen on a deal despite being knocked back by the striker in the winter window.
Andrew Cavenagh on summer transfer window at Rangers
“As it stands, though, we’re informed he remains on their radar, though there is yet to be any serious formal talks. Middlesbrough also have strong interest, which also dates back from January. Stoke City and Birmingham City have shown general interest, though specifics are quieter now, and their interest has not moved forward yet.”
Chairman Cavenagh said this month of Rangers’ summer plans: “It has been a rough season. We’re incredibly disappointed with the results, as I'm sure you would expect, and responsibility for that is with no one other than ownership, the board, me and Paraag Marathe.
“We believe that Danny gives us the best chance to win the league next year. We believe that there are two key elements that he needs to succeed, and that would be a revamped squad, which is probably the most important and a pre-season. Our focus will be less about sort of raw talent and more about things like chemistry and leadership, and steel, and footballing IQ, if that’s a phrase that translates.”