Good Morning. It's Tuesday 21st June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Bielsa could be back in Management by the weekend

Marcelo Bielsa could return to Football Management this week with La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao; though much will depend on the club's forthcoming Presidential election on Friday. Businessman and life-long Lions fan, Inaki Arechabaleta, is one of three candidates standing, and has promised to reinstate the 66 year old should he win the ballot. This would be Bielsa's second stint at the San Mamés Stadium. He enjoyed a two-year spell between 2011-13 during which time he reached the finals of both the Copa del Rey and the Europa League (knocking out Manchester Utd on the way).

Bielsa has been out of work since being given his marching orders from Elland Road at the end of February. He was offered the Burnley role after Sean Dyche was dismissed two weeks later, but decided against it, biding his time, for the right opportunity to emerge. Arechabaleta held a press conference yesterday, describing Bielsa as the most respected Coach in the World, and has promised fans that his ambition, quality and abilities would bring success back to Bilbao.

Bielsa is the most respected coach in the world. He is also a coach for the future, although in the past he gave us the best season of this century. “Bielsa has evolved since then and his ambition, quality and abilities are going to take us to the Athletic that we must become.

Traore not on Leeds wanted list

Adama Traoré is not on Leeds Utd's wanted list this Summer, according to journalist Beren Cross. The 26yo has long been linked to a move to West Yorkshire, partly because of the relationship he has with Victor Orta. The two remain good friends, ever since Orta bought him to 'The Riverside' six years ago. Traore's form has suffered at Wolves in recent times. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona where he made nine starts. They had the option to make the move permanent, but as we know, they only have eyes for Raphinha! According to Cross...

As it stands, Traore does not look like someone near the top of Orta's wanted lists. Evidently, there is a long-standing connection and relationship between them, but right now he is not someone Leeds are looking to bring in. The window has a long way to go and we cannot predict every little twist and turn, so who knows. If other targets evade Orta you could not rule out Traore being someone he likes later in the summer, but right now he's not understood to be one they are actively pursuing.

Orta has concerns about Lang's character

During a recent Q and A session on Leeds-Live, journalist Beren Cross admitted that Victor Orta rates Dutch winger Noa Lang but has grave concerns about his character. Lang was caught on video last year chanting that he would “rather die than be a Jew”. The reference, according to Belgian sports papers, was about supporters and players of Anderlecht, whom rival teams refer to as “Jews.” Lang took to social media to try to defend his actions...

My dad’s Surinamese and my mother’s Dutch. I know all about racism and bias,” he said. “I chanted enthusiastically with supporters I met for the first time after winning. As a former Ajax fan I know very well the soccer world’s nicknames. I did not mean to offend anyone. I’m done with the subject and won’t be revisiting it.

According to Cross, Orta will have to tread very carefully if he wants to bring Lang to Elland Road...

Lang is one Orta likes, but there's no suggestion anything is imminent on a move to Leeds. If his character is in question, this is the kind of research and scouting Orta has to do to ensure his additions work within the dressing room.

Caprile on the move

Leeds Utd goalkeeper Elia Caprile could be on his way out of Elland Road after it was revealed that Serie B outfit Bari have reached an agreement to buy the 20yo shot-stopper. He joined Leeds from Chievo Verona during the 2020 January transfer window for a minimal fee, but failed to impress for the Under 23's, and was replaced last season by Kristoffer Klaesson.

He was sent out on loan to Serie C outfit Pro Patria last August, where he caught the eye of several higher ranked Italian clubs including Bari. According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, terms have already been agreed between both clubs, and a move is expected to take place shortly.