Good Morning. It's Tuesday 23rd August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Spurs lining up £20m bid for James
Sun journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that Spurs are lining up a £20m bid for versatile winger Dan James. The 24yo has struggled to hit the kind most of us were expecting since his surprise £25m move two years ago, but has frequently been asked to play out of position, and lead the line, due to injury problems up front.
With four goals from 37 appearances, many could be tempted to cash in on the Welsh International, though we need to remember, that not only would Leeds be making a £5m loss, but Manchester Utd have a sell-on clause too. With just over a week to go before the transfer window slams shut, would it leave Leeds short of personnel, or is Summerville ready to step up to the plate?
Marsch no longer living in Bielsa's shadow
Scottish football legend Graeme Souness believes Leeds victory over Chelsea at the weekend has lifted Jesse Marsch's stature among Leeds fans, and he no longer lives in his predecessor's shadow. It was never going to be easy to replace somebody as loved and respected as Bielsa, let alone an American Coach that none of us had heard of before, yet almost five months on, we're beginning to see an exciting new chapter take place at Elland Road. Souness told talkSPORT...
Chelsea last week were fabulous, although they still only had three shots on target, scored with two, Lloris made a save, they’re still in need of that goal getter. The football they played (vs Spurs) was top notch, they looked a team and you’re thinking they’re just missing someone who can put the ball in the back of the net for them.
They’ve gone to Leeds, Leeds historically has always been a difficult place to play, a hostile crowd, it must be great to play in front of, they get behind you, abuse the opposition - sometimes they go overboard but that’s the nature of our business. It’s a hell of a result, the manager deserves credit.
I like most people, an American coming into our game will find life very difficult, just the terminology that they use and understanding what the Premier League is all about but that result yesterday, maybe until yesterday was living in the shadow of Bielsa, maybe that’s lifted somewhat. The results do that (lift him out of the shadows), it’s not just talking, it’s winning football matches will lift that shadow.
Highly rated keeper on his way to Elland Road
Rory Mahady is set to become Leeds ninth Summer signing. The highly rated young shot stopper, 16, had been heavily scouted by Manchester City, but after talks with Victor Orta has decided that Elland Road
Although Mahady cannot sign a Professional contract until he turns 17, he will initially join the Thorp Arch academy on an initial scholarship. The Scotland U17 star has been described as one of the best young keepers in Britain by the Daily Record, and Celtic are not happy about losing another one of their rising stars to Leeds. Two years ago, Orta poached Leo Hjelde away from Parkhead for a deal worth £1m, plus add-ons.
Is a top half finish possible
With seven points out of a possible nine, Leeds have jumped ahead of Southampton and Wolves in the race against relegation, according to Bet365. Many leading bookies believed that the Whites would struggle this season having lost Raphinha and Phillips, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Performances thus far have been strong, stats have dramatically improved, and the team looks balanced. Leeds find themselves joint third in the table, along with Tottenham. Interestingly, the figures between the two sides are identical, as are the opponents they have faced. As a measure of how Leeds have started the new campaign, fans must be happy with this.
Leeds are now ahead of Bournemouth, Forest, Everton, Southampton, Fulham and Wolves in their quest to avoid the drop, and are just marginally behind Leicester City and Brentford. Whilst many may have settled for 14th or 15th a month ago, what are the chances that Jesse Marsch can replicate (or beat) Bielsa's 9th place finish during our 20/21 season?
However he has been able to use the tools given him and Sunday was a great marker for him to lay down.
.
