Good Morning. It's Tuesday 5th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Sinisterra set to sign in £20m deal
Luis Sinisterra is expected to be unveiled as Leeds fifth signing of the Summer later this week, after Phil Hay announced that Victor Orta was in advanced talks with Dutch outfit Feyenoord over the Columbian International winger in a deal worth £20m
The 23 year old has racked up 76 appearances for Dutch Giants Feyenoord since his arrival at the De Kuip four years ago for €2m. Sinisterra is right footed, but plays almost exclusively on the left. He likes to run at defenders, and create shooting opportunities, both for himself, and his teammates. Last season, he netted 23 goals and provided 14 assists.
Sinisterra may not be the big name many of us were hoping for as a replacement for Raphinha, but if he can replicate his form of last season, Premier League defenders better be on their toes.
Marsch gets his man
Tyler Adams is set to join Leeds later this week after Victor Orta's charm offensive finally rubbed off on his German counterparts. Naturally, the RB Leipzig hierarchy are more than a little dubious about dealing with Leeds, following the Jean-Kevin Augustin debacle 18 months ago, which is yet to be concluded by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Somehow, Leeds Director of Football maintained good relations with Leipzig, and has persuaded them to negotiate a total fee (inclusive of add-ons) of £20m. It is believed that Adams played his part too, expressing his desire to link back up with Jesse Marsch. Leeds are wanting to get the deals of Adams and Sinisterra concluded before the end of the week.
Leeds have held exploratory dialogue with interested parties over Jack Harrison
The Chief Football Writer for the YEP Graham Smyth has revealed that Leeds have held exploratory dialogue with multiple parties for Jack Harrison, although no bids have come forward yet.
Newcastle, West Ham and Newcastle have all shown a keen interest in the former Manchester City winger this Summer, though Leeds won't be in a hurry to offload the 25 year old. It is believed that Harrison may have become a little disillusioned after the shambles of last season, prompting speculation about his future at Elland Road.
Harrison has two years remaining on his three-year contract, and is believed to be one of Leeds higher paid stars at £60,000 a week.
Leeds must keep Meslier
In his latest Q & A session in the YEP, Graham Smyth has insisted that Leeds can't afford to lose shot stopper Illan Meslier this Summer. The 22yo made more saves than any other top flight keeper last season, helping them maintain their Premier League status. According to Smyth, the young Frenchman is the only player in the current squad capable of 'going on to the next level'.
“I wouldn’t say Leeds are looking to move Illan Meslier on but he’s the one in the squad that you would think will be capable of going on to the next level and playing European football.” “What Leeds don’t want is a scenario where multiple players are lost at once. Selling two, as they are, is just about manageable but the situation with any squad has to be very delicately balanced.”
