Good Morning. It's Friday 4th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Short list of three for the keeper jersey
As Illan Meslier's departure from Elland Road draws closer, Leeds United are actively scouring the market for a reliable replacement to claim the coveted No.1 jersey. Recent reports in the last 24 hours have linked two new names to the club: Vanja Milinković-Savić and Lucas Perri.
Milinković-Savić, the towering 6ft 8in Serbian international, appears to be the more exciting prospect of the two. His impressive xGOT (Expected Goals on Target) rating of ten highlights his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. To provide context, Meslier's xGOT rating last season was a negative -2.8. His performances suggest he is a goalkeeper who consistently outperforms expectations based on the quality of shots he faces.
Lucas Perri, currently with Lyon, is another goalkeeper on Leeds' radar. However, securing Perri's signature might prove challenging given their precarious situation. The club is appealing their relegation punishment, which has created uncertainty around transfer decisions.
It's worth noting that Angers' highly-rated goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana, remains a strong contender for the Whites. The Ivory Coast international is available for a relatively modest £6 million, given that he has only one year remaining on his contract. His impressive statistics from last season, saving 135 out of 186 shots faced, make him an attractive option for Leeds.
While Nick Pope continuous to be linked, recent reports from Beren Cross suggest that the ten capped England international has no intention of leaving Newcastle United, making him a free agent next summer.
Leeds 'close' to Gudmundsson signing
Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Swedish international left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille. The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road throughout the summer, and whispers from reliable sources like Graham Smyth suggest that negotiations are progressing positively.
With only a year remaining on his contract with the French club, Gudmundsson presents an attractive proposition for Leeds. The need for reinforcement in the left-back position has become increasingly apparent following the exit of both Sam Byram, now a free agent, and Junior Firpo, who has returned to Real Betis.
The demands of the Premier League are unforgiving, requiring full-backs who possess a balanced skillset, capable of contributing both defensively and in attack. Gudmundsson is believed to tick those boxes, offering the dynamism and quality needed to thrive in a demanding league.
His potential arrival would represent a significant coup for Leeds, providing much-needed competition and quality in a crucial area of the pitch. The Swedish international's experience at a high level, coupled with his age profile, makes him an ideal candidate to slot straight into the first team.
Given his contract situation, speculation suggests that Leeds United could secure Gudmundsson's services for a fee in the region of £8 million. This would represent a shrewd piece of business, acquiring a proven international player at a reasonable price.
Weah firmly on Leeds radar
Leeds are in the mix to sign Juventus winger Timothy Weah, but face competition from Everton and French giants Marseille. The 25-year-old, son of legendary footballer George Weah, is available for around €20 million, making him an attractive option for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
Weah’s potential move to Nottingham Forest collapsed last week due to disagreement over personal terms, opening the door for other clubs to swoop in. Leeds, eager to strengthen their squad, are seemingly interested in bringing the American international to Elland Road.
A versatile player, Weah has primarily featured as a winger or wing-back, particularly on the right side, for both Juventus and the USA National Team. While he has experience playing as a striker, his adaptability allows him to be deployed effectively in various roles, including right-back and even as a forward. This versatility would be a valuable asset to Leeds, providing them with tactical flexibility.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Weah also spent time with the New York Red Bulls during his youth. Adding intrigue to the potential transfer is Weah’s close friendship with former Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams. It's believed that Weah is keen on a move to the Premier League, which could give Leeds an edge in the race for his signature.
