Exclusive: Leeds United backed to sign Fulham star - but one issue may stop Daniel Farke sealing deal | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has given his reaction to Leeds United's reported interest in £50 million-rated Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Pundit Lee Hendrie believes Rodrigo Muniz would be a good signing for Leeds United, but he admits the striker's reported £50 million price tag could be a problem for the newly-promoted Premier League side.

After two years out of the division, Leeds United secured promotion back to the Premier League last season, and they sealed the Championship title and reached the 100-point mark on the final day of the campaign.

When confirming that manager Daniel Farke would remain in charge last month, Whites chairman Paraag Marathe also claimed that the club would build a squad with "every penny that we're allowed to spend", and it seems the West Yorkshire outfit are identifying some ambitious transfer targets ahead of their return to the top flight.

According to The Athletic, Leeds have made enquiries about the potential signing of Muniz, but it has been claimed that the 24-year-old is valued at £50 million, and Fulham are said to be weighing up the possibility of offering him a new and improved contract in order to keep hold of him.

Muniz joined the Cottagers from Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer of 2021, and after a slow start to life at the club, his career has taken off since his return from a loan spell at Middlesbrough two years ago, and he enjoyed another strong campaign last season as Marco Silva's side finished 11th in the Premier League.

Lee Hendrie raises Rodrigo Muniz doubts as Leeds United eye Fulham raid

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie insisted that Muniz would be a good addition for Leeds for the right price, but he expressed reservations over whether the club would be able to meet his £50 million valuation.

"Leeds are being linked with Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham," Hendrie said.

"The claims are that the Cottagers want £50 million for the Brazilian, but that's a hell of a lot of money to throw out there, it really is.

"He could add something to Leeds, he's a powerful centre-forward, and he's got goals in his locker for sure, but I think the price tag might steer them away from that.

"You're taking a plunge at £50 million.

"I know these days the fees for strikers are outrageous, and I think £50 million might just be out of reach for Leeds.

"For how good he is, I think Leeds might put this one to the side, unless they can come to some sort of arrangement where they can get a decent price for him, maybe around £35 - 40 million.

"If that happens, I do think Leeds might go all out to try and get him because I do think he could fit in their side.

"He's a hungry centre-forward, and that's the way that Leeds play."

It was not long ago that Muniz was struggling to make the matchday squad during his loan spell at Middlesbrough, so his rise over last two years to become a £50 million-rated player has been remarkable.

Should Leeds strike an agreement to sign Muniz for that figure, it would smash their previous club-record transfer deal, which is currently the £35.5 million they paid to sign Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023, but the Brazilian could be a worthwhile investment.

Despite starting just 13 games in all competitions last season, Muniz still managed to score an impressive 11 goals, and given that he would likely be a regular every week at Elland Road, he could potentially significantly better that tally next term if he joins the Whites.