Good Morning. It's Thursday 11th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Kai Wagner back on Victor Orta's radar
Leeds face competition from Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb for Philadelphia Union's Kai Wagner. Jesse Marsch is keen to sign a specialist left wing back to create competition for Junior Firpo, and according to Forbes journalist Manuel Veth, the 25yo German is high on Marsch's shopping list.
It is believed that Leeds hold a big advantage over their competition should they wish to meet
Philadelphia's £4m valuation. Not only is Marsch good friends with Union's head Coach Jim Curtin, but Wagner and Brenden Aaronson used to play together, and let's not forget about the influence the 49ers may have!
Wagner has been one of the first names on the team sheet all season, playing all 24 games, providing 5 assists on the way. He has been named to play for the MLS All-Stars in their upcoming All-Star showdown against the Liga MX All-Stars later on today.
James may have a fight on his hands to get in the strongest XI
Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash at St Mary's, Elland Road journalist Beren Cross believes that Dan James could have a fight on his hands to 'get in the strongest XI' once Sinisterra returns to the fold. The Columbian winger pulled his hamstring during the early stages of the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace last month, but has been working hard on the training pitch to regain full fitness. If Sinisterra can replicate the same kind of form he showed last season for Feyenoord, and Jack Harrison continues to impress, Jesse Marsch may have a dilemma on his hands.
The jury is still out on Sinisterra, we really haven't seen enough of him yet. If he's anything like as good as Raphinha then he starts in that trio with Aaronson and Harrison. James may have a fight on his hands to get in the strongest XI. It's him vs Harrison, for me, if Sinisterra proves his worth at around £25m.
Leeds strongly linked to Watford duo
Italian media outfit 'TuttoMercatoWeb' are claiming Leeds are on the verge of signing two Watford players. Ismaila Sarr, a £30m record signing from Rennes back in 2019 plays predominantly as a winger. In 91 appearances, the 24yo Senegalese International has netted 24 times.
Even more bizarrely though, Joao Pedro has been strongly linked with a loan move to Elland Road. The talented 20 year old Brazilian has been in impressive form since his arrival at Vicarage Road two years ago (from Fluminense), although he has yet to find his striking boots. He made 29 appearances for the Hornet's last season, netting just four times, though his overall performances gained a lot of praise. He is contracted to Watford for another five years (2027). Why Leeds would be linked with either player remains a mystery!