Leeds United could be preparing to make a statement signing before the summer transfer window closes, with Daniel Farke in need of another quality option in attack.

The Whites had been expected to direct a significant portion of their summer investment towards the final third after consolidating their Premier League status last season.

However, that has not really materialised. Harry Wilson arrived on a free transfer after leaving Fulham, but Leeds have otherwise focused much of their business on other areas of the squad.

Five new players have arrived at Elland Road in total - four of which have been either goalkeepers or defenders - yet there remains a feeling that Farke's attacking options could still be improved.

That could be especially vital if Willy Gnonto departs, with the Italian linked with an exit in recent days. Now, Leeds have turned their attention towards one of the Championship's most exciting young attackers.

Leeds looking at late Mateus Mane transfer

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon, via MOT Leeds News, Leeds are looking at a late move for Wolves star Mateus Mane.

Nixon suggests the teenager could command a fee similar to the £40m valuation placed on teammate Fer Lopez, meaning Leeds may have to make a substantial financial commitment similar to the record deal for James Trafford if they are to prise Mane away from Molineux.

Mane's versatility could make that investment particularly attractive, though. The 18-year-old is capable of operating from wide areas or through the middle, potentially giving Farke another direct attacking option alongside Wilson, Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson.

More importantly, he has already shown that he can make an impact at Premier League level. Mane emerged as one of the few major positives from Wolves' difficult 2025/26 campaign, breaking into the first team and establishing himself as a regular starter despite his age.

His performances even attracted attention from some of European football's biggest clubs. BBC Sport claimed earlier this year that Real Madrid were among the clubs interested in Mane ahead of the summer transfer window, alongside Liverpool and Manchester United.

After initially developing in Rochdale's academy, Mane joined Wolves and rapidly progressed through the youth system before making the step into Premier League football. Former Wolves boss Rob Edwards called Mane “fantastic” last season, highlighting his willingness to run directly at defenders was one of his standout qualities.

The Whites still lack another attacker capable of carrying the ball at defenders, with Okafor arguably the only current forward who can create something individually with pace and dribbling ability.

A reported £40m valuation would make this a hugely ambitious late deal, particularly for an 18-year-old. However, Leeds entered the summer expected to invest heavily in their attack, and so far haven’t spent a penny on a transfer fee for a new addition in the final third.

So, if the money is there for the 49ers to make one major attacking signing before the deadline, it looks as if Mane could be that player.