Good Morning. It's Friday 1st July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
One in, one out as Phillips undergoes medical
Leeds fans will bid a final farewell to Kalvin Phillips later on today, after twelve years of loyal service at Elland Road. Phillips, just back from holiday yesterday, will undergo a Medical at the Etihad this morning, before signing a four year contract, believed to be worth £150,000 a week. In contrast, Leeds have made good of a bad situation by managing to capture one of Citeh's brightest prospects. Darko Gyabi is will undergo a medical at Thorp Arch this morning before penning a long term deal.
Manchester Evening News reporter Simon Bajkowski has revealed that Manchester City will benefit from any future success Leeds will have from Gyabi by inserting clauses in the £5m deal!
The two announcements should be at similar times but any delay wouldn’t suggest anything is wrong. Gyabi looks an excellent prospect from what I’ve seen, but £5m is a significant amount of money for someone who hasn’t played any senior football and there will be clauses in the deal to benefit City should he go on to thrive at Leeds.
Brighton dismiss Camera interest
'The Argus' have dismissed claims that Brighton are pursuing RB Salzburg Midfielder Mohamed Camara. The West Sussex local rag quoted a well-placed source close to the club, claiming that having sold Bissouma to Spurs recently, they are likely to be linked with many midfielders.
The Argus have been told this afternoon that Camara is a player of whom Albion are aware of but nothing more at this stage; they are likely to be linked with numerous midfielders after selling Yves Bissouma to Tottenham.
Are Leeds punching above their weight in pursuit of De Ketelaere
Leeds journalist Beren Cross has suggested that Leeds have their work cut out this Summer if they're to land Brugge star Charles De Ketelaere. The 21yo Belgium International Striker has appeared on the radar of many top European outfits, including Serie A Champions AC Milan. Even if Leeds are able to table the estimated £35m asking price needed, there is still the question of wages, as well as the lure of European football. They also need to fend off interest closer to home, with Leicester City among those desperate for his signature.
De Ketelaere is wanted by a host of top European clubs, the foremost of which is AC Milan. The Serie A champions will have Champions League football as well as an eye-watering salary to offer the Belgian, which will understandably make it tough for Leeds. The Whites will be pinning a lot on the exposure the Premier League provides.
Firpo needs competition
During his latest Q & A session, Leeds-Live journalist Beren Cross revealed that he would like to see Leeds invest in another left back to provide competition for Junior Firpo. The 25 year old had a disappointing first season at Elland Road, though according to Cross, the transition from Spain to England can be difficult! Do Leeds need to bring another left back in? Although they have adaquate cover from Dallas (hopefully around Christmas time), Struijk and Hjelde, none of the three are specialists in that position! According to Cross...
I'd like to see investment to provide competition for Firpo because he seems to have a clear run at it based on the current squad shape. It was a tough first year for the former Barcelona man, but you have to give him that second season to make a go of it. That first year can be a acclimatising period for new faces, especially from Spain.