Good Morning. It's Friday 4th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Klopp - Brewster will not be sold this transfer window
Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp has told leeds that Rhian Brewster will not be sold during this transfer window. The news come as Leeds were about to launch an audacious bid to bring the talented 20 year old to Elland Road on a permanent deal. Unfortunately for the Whites, the England U21 International has impressed the Liverpool hierarchy that much, that they now have first team plans fore him.
Different media sources including Football Insider have identified four potential alternatives, all of which are apparently realistic targets. The favourite is Brentford striker Ollie Watkins. He scored 26 goals last term, and at 24 years of age, should only get better!
Chelsea reject Michy Batshuayi is also reportedly to be on the ER radar. His miserably spell at Stamford Bridge has seen the 26 year old being loaned out each season since his transfer in 2016.
With first team plans for Rhian Brewsters, striking partner Divock Origi should move down the pecking order. The 25 year old made 42 appearances for the Reds last term, mainly from the bench. He netted 5 times.
Bookies have placed Leeds as bookies' favourites to sign Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke. The former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward could be let go for around £7m.
Late Pre Season friendly organised for this weekend
Leeds will face Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira in a pre-season friendly at Thorp Arch on Saturday, according to Renasenca.
The Portuguese outlet reports that the friendly will be played behind-closed-doors at 1pm on Saturday.
The UK Government recently removed Portugal from its list of countries with travel restrictions, meaning teams from the two countries can now face each other.
Leeds Utd away top on sale NOW...
The Leeds Utd away jersey goes on sales from 9am this morning.
What do we think?
Concern growing over Bielsa's contract
With just over a week until the Premier League kicks off theoretically Leeds could find themselves Managerless! Marcelo Bielsa is out of contract. He and his team could walk out on Leeds any time he wanted!
Obviously having fought tooth and nail to get them to the promised land, that is not likely to happen. Even for somebody of Bielsa's pedigree, it must be an honour to manage in the Premiership.
The Whites have been negotiating with Bielsa and his legal team back in Argentina, and although close, there seems to be a couple of sticking points. Leeds want Bielsa to sigh a two year deal whilst the Argentine is instistant, twelve months at a time is plenty.
The West Yorkshire side have done everything that is expected of them. They continue to identify players on Bielsa's wish list, and bring them to Elland Road. Radrizzani has actually gone one step further. Di Paul was not even on Bielsa's wish list. Radrizzani targeted the Argentine International himself!
To be honest, I don't know how Bielsa will see that?
, we’re back to where we started striker wise with Ollie Watkins. I agree faaip, I think that probably means we’ve missed out on De Paul.
Then he’ll probably want to stay for another year anyway.
. What has happened the guys he signed last year. Watched Rodrigo last night v Germany, played well, kept on making space for himself, the downside was that he died off in the second half and he missed a few glorious chances. Koch came on late so we will wait and see.
