Good Morning. It's Thursday 4th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Mateusz Klich's future at Leeds is in doubt
Mateusz Klich's future at Leeds is in doubt, after Polish media outlet 'Meczyki' revealed that the veteran midfielder wants to quit Elland Road, in search of first team football. Klich has had limited opportunities to impress Jesse Marsh, and with the arrival of Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, it is feared he has fallen further down the pecking order.
Klich has only been in Jesse Marsch's starting line up once, since taking over from Marcelo Bielsa at the end of February, and with the World Cup just three months away, is desperate to impress. Further media reports are suggesting that Dutch outfit FC Utrecht are pushing for a loan move, which, if they are willing to pay his salary, may be the best option for all parties.
Leeds have certainly got their money's worth out of Klich. He joined in the Summer of 2017 from FC Twenty for £1.5m. He's made 163 appearances, scoring 21 times. He is the third-longest current player at Elland Road, behind Liam Cooper (2017), and Stuart Dallas (2015). During his recent post match press conference (v Cagliari), Marsch was quizzed on Klich's future. His reply certainly wouldn't have installed much confidence in the 32 year old...
I don't know yet. Listen, I really like Mateusz and his mentality has been great. He understandably really wants to go to the World Cup, which, you know, all of our guys are trying to figure out how it all fits and it's an important four or five months for a lot of players. "But I like having Mateusz here. He's a great guy, and he's put a lot into this. So we'll see what happens.
Marsch 2nd favourite for the chop
With 48 hours to go until the Premier League kicks off, the daggers are already out, and aimed firmly in the back of Jesse Marsch. Leading Bookmakers, SkyBet are offering odds of just 5/1 that the American will be the first Managerial casualty of the season, just behind Everton boss Frank Lampard.
Whilst the Whites have splashed out just under £100m so far this Summer, their two most influential players have left Elland Road in search of Champions League football. It is feared their departure could have catastrophic consequences for the squad, and should Leeds season start poorly, the pressure could prove too much for the American!
The Sack Race odds
Frank Lampard 7/2
Jesse Marsch 5/1
Brendan Rodgers 7/1
Ralph Hasenhüttl 7/1
Scott Parker 8/1
Marco Silva 9/1
Bruno Lage 12/1
Thomas Tuchel 12/1
Antonio Conte 18/1
Eddie Howe 18/1
New keeper takes priority after injury to Klaesson
Elland Road journalist Beren Cross has intimated that the next player arriving at Elland Road will be a goal-keeper, which is expected to be finalised next week. The move comes after it was revealed that Kristoffer Klaesson sustained an injury at the weekend which will keep him sidelined for a sustained period. It has been suggested that Leeds may try and sign veteran shot stopper Ben Foster. The 39 year old was recently released by Watford, following their relegation from the top flight.
Cross's news will come as a blow to many Leeds fans, who were hoping that a striker, and a left-back may be joining before the weekend. In truth, it seems that whilst Leeds may be linked to a host of targets, none are at an advanced stage of negotiations. According to Cross...
Illan Meslier remains the undisputed number one at Elland Road, while Kristoffer Klaesson impressed in his one appearance at Molineux last term, but he picked up an issue behind closed doors on Saturday. That problem has escalated the move for a second-choice stopper and one could arrive at Leeds next week. It remains to be seen what Leeds do in attack and at left-back. Deadline day is four weeks away and with so many moving parts in the transfer window, a lot can still change.
"The money is there for a forward to be signed before the window closes, but as was the case with De Ketelaere, any target would need to tick a lot of boxes and Leeds are prepared to wait. No left-back has been credibly linked with the Whites thus far and it remains to be seen what progress the club have made in that department.
