Good Morning. It's Thursday 21st March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds identify Toon midfielder as rebuilding starts
Leeds have been strongly linked with a £15m offer for Newcastle Utd midfielder Sean Longstaff. The 26 year old has been part of the Magpies setup since he was a fledgling (2006), but feels it could be time to fly the nest. His younger brother Matty joined Major League Soccer outfit Toronto earlier this season after being released by Eddie Howe. Although he (Sean) has started 20 games this season, it has been suggested that his days are numbered, and with little over twelve months on his contract, both sides could be keen to do business.
Predominantly, he plays as a defensive midfield, but has the versatility to play No10 too. As a homegrown star, the deal would very much benefit the Toon's Financial Fair Play situation, as the entire fee would be profit, allowing them a bigger budget during the Summer! The Mirror suggests Leeds have already earmarked £30m, with loanee Joe Rodon expecting to complete a permanent £15m move to LS11 as long as the Whites can win promotion. Reports around Newcastle suggest the Longstaff deal could still go through, even if Leeds remained in the Championship.
Will Farke welcome back loanee's
With little over six weeks until the Championship season is concluded, Daniel Farke has massive decisions on whether to stick or rid the club of the rats that abandoned ship last Summer. His comments last month likening the Luis Sinisterra saga to reheated microwaved food (in so much that cuisine in the microwave never tastes as good as when it's freshly cooked) gives us a good idea on his stance, but should we assume their Elland Road careers are over?
Max Wober and Marc Roca in particular are flourishing this season, yet have been linked with offers far lower than the going rate, especially as they have long term contracts. Roca in particular has been very vocal about his desire to leave Leeds, and has given his agent a list of clubs he would like to play for. Why pander to their demands; let them rot in the reserves!
What about Brenden Arronson? He may have had a torrid last 18 months, but let's remember, he's only 23! Should he be given the chance to prove himself during the Summer, or ship him out on the cheap? What about Jack Harrison? Reports earlier this week suggest Leeds are close to agreeing a £20m deal with Everton (more or less the same price we bought him for when you take into account the £9m of loan fees). Harrison has over four years left on his contract; surely he's worth £30m+.
Gray quells rumours of a Summer exit
Speaking to Sky Sports, Archie Gray has admitted that his ultimate aim is to represent the Whites in the top flight, quelling rumours of a Summer exit to Liverpool, Manchester City or Everton. The 18 year old star was speaking ahead of Friday evenings clash (Eng U21's) against Azerbaijan, a game he has been tipped to start. His love for the club has never been in question, but even so, it is believed that he will sign improved terms this Summer. Currently, he earns £5000 a week. He can expect that to at least quadruple, especially if Leeds reach the promised land.
It would mean a lot to me [representing Leeds in the top flight] because that is the goal that everyone has got here. Especially being from Leeds, that's where the club deserves to be and should be. I want to try and win trophies with Leeds, that's always what I've dreamed of as a kid. Playing for England's first team is another one that every kid from England dreams of. It would have been unrealistic to think I was going to play pretty much all the games [for Leeds]. I worked really hard in pre-season and tried to impress the manager as much as I could. It paid off. So far, it's been really good. We've had some great wins and it's getting to the crucial part where we just need to get the results and keep performing.
