Good Morning. It's Friday 18th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Plenty of transfer activity for U23's
Leeds face an uphill battle in their pursuit of Birmingham City's Amari Miller. The 18 year old broke through the senior ranks at St Andrews, notching up five cameo appearances for Lee Bowyers side. The Whites were quick off the blocks to make contact with the pacy dribbler, and offer terms to him. Unfortunately, Leeds are not the only club to have been monitoring Miller with Spurs and Southampton have also staked their interest, though it seems talks with Leeds are at a more advanced stage. Birmingham City have let it be known they will not stand in Miller's way if he wants to leave.
Leeds are being linked with Celtic's Leo Hjelde. The Norwegian centre back is only 17 year old. He stands 6ft 2', and can play left back, left wing or centre back. He has been dubbed ‘the new Virgil van Dijk'. The Whites first came enquired about Hjelde whilst he was on loan at Ross County last season. Leeds see him as a possible replacement for Oliver Casey who looks like he is on his way to Blackpool!
Closer to home, Osaze Urhoghide has rejected a new contract with the Owls, and can leave on a free transfer. The highly rated 20yo has a host of interest from both, the Championship and the top flight. Urhoghide was born in Holland, but was bought up in London. He too, is 6ft 2' tall and can play centre back or right back.
It's Phillips v Cooper tonight!
Club Captain Liam Cooper will square off against friend and team mate Kalvin Phillips this evening when Scotland are the visitors to Wembley Stadium. The Scots got off to the worst of starts, getting beat 2-0 against the Czech Republic, though to be fair the game was a lot closer than the scoreline reflected. Cooper's display was solid. He was credited with winning 9 duels, 6 aerial duels, 6 ball recoveries and had an 80% passing success rate. Kalvin Phillips got off to a fantastic start against Croatia, winning the accolade of man of the match, plus plaudits from around Europe. Should the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' continue in this rich vein of form, he has a real chance of being named 'player of the tournament'.
Can anyone remember the last time two Leeds players faced each other in a major International tournament? Well it will be the first time since David Batty lined-up for England against Eric Cantona for France in Euro 92. [Via @lufcstats]
