Leeds United striker makes feelings on possible Rangers transfer switch clear after ‘internal proposal’

The former Swansea City striker, who arrived at Elland Road in a £12 million move in 2023, has recently been linked with a potential switch to Rangers as the January transfer window enters its final stages.

With time running out for clubs to complete their mid-season business, Rangers have already enjoyed a productive month.

The arrival of Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen has been a major boost for the Ibrox side, but it appears their recruitment plans may not be finished yet, with Danny Röhl understood to be eager to add further reinforcements.

However, Rangers’ pursuit of one reported striker target now appears to have stalled. A recent report has seemingly dampened hopes of a deal being completed, casting doubt over the club’s chances of securing the player before the window closes.

Joel Piroe makes stance clear on Rangers move

According to TeamTalk, Leeds United forward Joel Piroe has informed the club that he has no interest in joining Rangers during the January transfer window.

The update follows an alleged internal proposal from Leeds that would have seen the 26-year-old move to Ibrox.

Despite the shared ownership between Leeds and Rangers through 49ers Enterprises, that connection has reportedly had little influence on Piroe’s thinking.

The Dutch striker joined Leeds from Swansea City two years ago and remains focused on his future at Elland Road.

Piroe, a former PSV Eindhoven player who represented the Netherlands at under-20 level, built his reputation in England by scoring 33 goals in 97 appearances for Swansea.

That prolific spell prompted Leeds to invest heavily in him, but circumstances have since changed.

It is now claimed that Leeds are actively looking to recruit an “upgrade” in attack before the transfer window shuts, though Piroe is said to be determined to stay and compete for regular playing time rather than seek a move elsewhere.

Championship interest also rejected

Rangers are not the only club to have been turned away. Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough have both reportedly lodged bids for the striker, only for Piroe himself to reject the opportunity to leave.

While there are suggestions that Leeds would be open to moving him on this month, attention has reportedly turned to Wolves forward Jørgen Strand Larsen as a possible replacement.

With only days remaining in the window, circumstances can change quickly, but Rangers may now be forced to explore alternative targets.

Piroe was also linked with Celtic earlier in January, although those rumours were swiftly dismissed amid reports that Leeds’ owners were unwilling to strengthen one of Rangers’ main rivals.