Good Morning. It's Thursday 13th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds close in on Gonzalez
Italian media outlet 'Sampdoria News' are claiming that Stuttgart striker Nicolás González has his heart set on a move to Elland Road. The versatile 22 year old has been on the radar of AC Milan, Inter Milan, Roma and Borussia Dortmund all Summer, but according to the Genoa based journalists, the Argentine wants to work under Bielsa.
Gonzalez will depart from the Mercedes-Benz Arena for a fee around 20m. He joined Stuttgart from Argentinos Juniors in 2018 for £7.65m. He netted 14 times last season in 27 appearances. Should the deal fail to materialise, Ollie Watkins will be their backup plan.
Leeds turn their attention elsewhere after £30m snub from Seagulls
Having supposedly had a £30m bid turned down for Ben White yesterday according to Football Insider, Leeds may be close to admitting defeat and looking elsewhere. According to Bielsa, he is looking to bring two new centre halves to the club, and they are more than likely to be on this list;
River Plate’s Lucas Martinez Quarta leads the race. The skillful 24 year old centre back may be available for as little as £10m depending on the state of River Plates finances.
Lyanco Evangelista Silveira Neves Vojnović, simply known as Lyanco, is a Brazilian-Serbian centre-back for Torino. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Bologna. He's 23 year old and stands 6ft 2'. The Brazilian U23 would be available for £9m
Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis is also on Bielsa's short list. Unfortunately for the Whites, Guardiola will not consider a permanent move for the England U19 International. Harwood-Bellis has been at Citeh since the age of six. Last term, he bloke into the first team!
Spurs centre back Juan Foyth has been linked with a move to Elland Road over the last few seasons. Unfortunately for the 22 year old, Mourinho does not have the faith in the Argentine as Pochettino had. A fee of £12m would secure a permanent deal.
In other news
Cody Drameh will become Leeds third major youth signing today after agreeing personal terms and completing his medical at Thorp Arch. The England Under 18 international defender joins from Fulham for just £400,000, due to his contract running out. The fee will rise to 1m depending on appearances. He joins highly rated duo Charlie Allen and Joe Gelhardt who both have arrived at Elland Road in the last fortnight.
Another of Leeds brightest young stars has been tied down to a long-term deal. Jamie Shackleton has signed for another four years. The 20 year old finished the Championship-winning campaign with a flurry. He follows the likes of Robbie Gotts, Oliver Casey and Mateusz Bogusz.
Aberdeen have confirmed Ryan Edmondson could be out for up to four months after suffering an ankle injury in training. He has returned to Thorp Arch to see a specialist.
