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Charlie Wilson

Boavista striker Alberth Elis profiled as Leeds United linked with former MLS standout

Leeds United are certainly chasing more than one striker this off-season, it seems. Numerous reports have linked the West Yorkshire outfit with Liverpool's Takumi Minamino, as well as New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos. The latest reports now suggest that Leeds are also in talks with a South American striker.

Boavista's Alberth Elis spent last season on loan at Bordeaux, scoring nine goals in just 20 games for the French side who would eventually be relegated. But the side do indeed have a clause which means they can sign him for a modest £6million, before looking to move him on for a profit - which L'Equipe reports they're looking to do - with Leeds United ready to pounce.

He had previously been a standout striker in the MLS, where Jesse Marsch reportedly became aware of him, as he scored 24 goals in 62 games for Houston Dynamo.

ALSO READ: Takumi Minamino 'closing in' on Liverpool exit with Leeds United linked as price tag revealed

But what would Leeds be getting if they signed him - and is he a player who they should be considering?

Career so far

Growing up in Honduras, he begun his career at Olimpia, making his debut aged just 17 and scoring 25 league goals as a teenager. He quickly received interest from across North America, as he eventually chose to move to Mexico to join Monterrey, before quickly being loaned to Houston Dynamo in the MLS.

It was in the United States where he would truly make a name for himself, scoring 10 goals in 26 games as a 20-year-old whilst on loan, before the move was made permanent.

He would spend two further full seasons in the MLS, scoring 24 goals before moving to Portugal, signing with Boavista, before joining Bordeaux last season.

Playing style

Elis is a striker who can play off either flank or on the shoulder of the last man. He's a pure athlete, can jump out of the building and is an absolute speedster - he'd be one of the quickest players in the Premier League.

He has been compared to former Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis - and even copies his celebration.

Elis will always look to get in behind using his pace, and shows good movement to lose his man whilst displaying the intelligence to be in the right place for easy tap-ins.

He'd bring the kind of pace that Leeds United hasn't seen in a centre forward for a long, long time.

How much would he cost?

Not too much. Bordeaux will just be looking to make a profit on him, after signing him for around £6 million.

If Leeds offered around £8-9 million, that might just be enough to acquire him as a low-risk, high-reward option up front along with Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and maybe, Takumi Minamino.

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