Good Morning. It's Tuesday 18th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
No truth in Belgium U21 rumour
Reports that Leeds are close to signing Belgium U21 International Nicolas Raskin have been rubbished by the Yorkshire Evening Post. Various media outlets including the Sunday Mirror suggested the combative midfielder is close to signing for the Whites in a 6m deal, but according to Graham Smyth from the YEP, there is no truth in the rumour. The 20 year old applies his trade with Standard Liege, representing them on 47 occasions since signing for them in 2019.
A report in a national newspaper has suggested the Whites are set to sign the 20-year-old this week in a £6m deal, but according to his camp no talks have taken place and the suggestion from Leeds is that he’s not one of their top targets for January.
Leeds fans annoyed by Burnley's antics
Annoyed Leeds fans lit up social media last night after it was announced that Burnley had been successful in postponing yet another top flight game. Premier League officials pampered to the Clarets request to adjourn the visit of Watford tonight due to Covid, and an injury crisis. Sean Dyche's team now have five game in hand over some other clubs.
Leeds have been forced to field makeshift line-ups all season due to an unprecedented, and ever-growing injury list, and even had to name eight of their U23's for the bench on Sunday, yet Bielsa refuses to complain.
The Whites are currently 11 points, and five places clear of Burnley.
Leeds plan Ram raid
Leeds and Newcastle Utd are locked in battle over Derby County midfielder Jason Knight. Although only 20, the box to box midfielder has already made over 100 appearances for Wayne Rooney's side. Although the Rams will not want to lose one of their most inspirational players, their financial position does not give them any choice. The administrators at the club will take what they can get, whatever their importance to their survival hopes.
Leeds definitely need to bolster their midfield, and even though Knight is barely out of his teens, he shows the stamina and maturity to make it at the highest level. If he were to come to Elland Road, it is believed he would predominantly become a squad player, but definitely a signing for the future.
Boro star on Leeds radar
Leeds are lining up a bid for Middlebrough right back Djed Spence, according to Sky Sports. The versatile wing back (predominantly right back, but can play left back) is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he caught the eye of many during their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup.
He rose through the junior ranks at Fulham, before signing for Boro in 2018. He is 21 year old and has bags of potential. As Spence has already represented two clubs this season, he wouldn't be able to play for Leeds this season, yet sources at Sky Sports announced that Leeds have made an enquiry over the 10m rated player.