Good Morning. It's Wednesday 23rd June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Will Leeds activate Nahitan Nandez's £31m release clause?
Various media reports are claiming that Leeds are ready to activate Nahitan Nandez's €36million (£31million) release clause. Apparently, Marcelo Bielsa has made it clear to Victor Orta that the 25 year old is top of his wish list. The Cagliari central midfielder played 32 games in Serie A last season, scoring twice and making three assists. It is definitely an area of the pitch Leeds need to strengthen in ahead of next season. Nandez can also play in the holding role or on the right hand side of midfield.
Leeds are further encouraged by the news that Inter Milan, long term admire's of the Uruguayan International are set land Turkey international Hakan Calhanoglu, which should end their interest in him. A host of European clubs have their eye on Nandez, but how many would be prepared or have the facilities to pay over £30m. Nandez's agent Pablo Bentancurt, has said his player wants to play in England and that a move to Leeds is a real possibility. Italian journalist Mina Rzouki was recently quoted as saying...
Cagliari’s Nandez is one of the most underrated players. God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.
Leeds battle Foxes for Forest ace
Leeds face a battle with Leicester City over Nottingham Forests prized asset Brennan Johnson. The 20 year old spent last season on loan at Lincoln City (alongside Robbie Gotts) before moving to Salford in January to get more game time, contributing 11 goals and five assists in 43 appearances. The news comes from The Athletics Paul Taylor who has spent over 25 years reporting on the Championship side. He is their equivalent of Phil Hay!
Johnson joined the Forest academy as the age of eight. He switched elegance from England to Wales last year, and has two full International caps with Robert Page's team. Page actually worked with Johnson when he was at the City ground two years ago as a coach. The last thing Chris Hughton wants to do, is to lose one of his best players, but such is the financial predicament of the Championship, that a £10m offer would be difficult for the Midlands club to turn down! Predominantly, Johnson is an attacking midfielder, though he is equally good down either wing.
Blackpool boss full of praise for Leeds
Tangerines boss Neil Critchley was full of praise for Leeds, following his capture of highly rated defender Oliver Casey. The 20 year old was instrumental, alongside Charlie Cresswell at centre back, in helping the young Whites lift the Premier League 2, Division two title at their first attempt! Whilst full of potential, Casey's aspirations of first team football meant searching for a new club; and newly promoted Blackpool were more than happy to oblige! Having Managed the Liverpool youngsters, Critchley has become au fait with the local talent in the area, and is delighted with his new signing...
Olly is a defender with a very good pedigree and is someone we feel will bring real competition to the squad. At just 20 years of age, he is a player who has his best years ahead of him. He has had a great education and upbringing at Leeds United, and is someone who we feel will fit in well within the environment we are building here. “We are looking forward to working with him and helping him develop his game further over the coming years.
The fee is believed to be just under 1m. I can't help wondering why they have a 25% sell on clause?