Good Morning. It's Wednesday 6th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Shackleton and Roberts set to exit on loan this week
Jamie Shackleton and Tyler Roberts are set to miss Leeds pre-season tour of Australia as they prepare to depart on loan later this week. The duo have never been able to fully establish themselves as first team regulars, and it is hoped that regular football every week will help in their will development.
Three Champions clubs are vying for Shackleton's services, with Reading being his likely destination, whilst QPR and Hull City are battling over Roberts. Charlie Cresswell has already departed, penning a season long loan with Bermondsey's finest (Millwall).
Salzburg not ruling out Camera sale
According to the Daily Express, Leeds are unlikely to continue their pursuit of Mohamed Camara once the signing of Tyler Adams is completed. Messrs Marsh and Orta had turned their attention to the Malian International after being told that RB Leipzig were reluctant to do business with them following the Jean-Kevin Augustin farce.
Fortunately, Victor Orta had still maintained a good working relationship with the Leipzig hierarchy, and persuaded them to change their minds. Adams, although the cheaper option, was Jesse Marsch's preferred option. Mohamed Camera will now return to Salzburg's training ground to resume pre-season. Salzburg's Sporting Director Christoph Freund has not ruled out a move totally, claiming...
Mo still has a three-year contract with us, so it’s also possible that he’ll continue to play in Salzburg. I can’t predict if Leeds are also willing to buy him out of his contract, but in football, a lot can happen very quickly.
Orta to miss Australian tour as spending spree set to continue
Leeds Utd's Director of Football Victor Orta has vowed to remain in England whilst Jesse Marsch and Co prepare to jet off to Australia, to begin his first pre-season tour with the Whites. Orta has clocked up an impressive amount of air miles so far this Summer, and with six signings under his belt (assuming Adams and Sinnisttera join), and more expected, his mind remains focused on recruitment.
One area of the pitch in dire need of strengthening, is in attack. Orta remains resolute in bringing Belgium sensation Charles De Ketelaere to Elland Road. The 21 year old has many admirers though, with Serie A Champions AC Milan leading the race. If Leeds are to stand a chance, they need to raise funds by selling Raphinha, but his preferred option, Barcelona, continue to drag their heels. According to Phil Hay...
Financing a De Ketelaere bid would require money raised by selling Raphinha and that situation is at a standstill. Chelsea are ready to pay an up-front fee of around £60 million for the Brazil winger, with add-ons worth more than £5 million, and Leeds have indicated to the ownership at Stamford Bridge they would accept that offer but Raphinha is resisting Chelsea’s approaches in the hope Barcelona, his preferred destination, will stump up the cash.
Barcelona have failed to meet his valuation and are finding Leeds unreceptive to offers of payments in instalments. Chelsea are happy to transfer the guaranteed fee in one tranche. It is, at this stage, the one process which might drag on and Orta’s intention to remain in England while Marsch and his squad go on tour is aimed at bringing Leeds’ remaining work to a conclusion.
Leeds prepared for Blackpool test
Leeds kick-off their pre-season tomorrow night against Championship outfit Blackpool at the LNER Community Stadium. York City's ground was chosen as both clubs have recently had their pitches overhauled. The game starts at 7pm, and apparently, there are still a few tickets left. A number of new faces are expected to make their Leeds Utd debut's, along with several younger players on the fringe of the first team squad.
Casilla 100%
