Here is your Leeds United morning digest for Monday, September 21st.
How James can still make Leeds switch
Daniel James may have started Manchester United’s opening match of the Premier League season, a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, but his role in the squad is very much in jeopardy, especially if United sign another right winger.
Jadon Sancho remains United’s primary target, but the £108million price tag placed upon him by Borussia Dortmund is proving difficult to meet.
With Mason Greenwood also emerging at Old Trafford, should United sign Sancho or another wide attacker, James could become available.
Leeds have been interested in the Wales international in the past. In January 2019, he was on the cusp of signing for the club.
A Swansea City player at the time, James was even featured in the Amazon documentary, Take Us Home: Leeds United, holding up a Whites shirt as the transfer neared completion.
However, the deal collapsed at the eleventh hour and, six months later, he moved to Manchester. But if United sign a right winger, James could yet find his way to Elland Road after all.
Manchester United urged to hire Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa has made quite the impression as Leeds manager.
Naturally, he is now being tipped to take over other sides that are in need of a top-class head coach. And one landing spot that has been mentioned is none other than bitter rivals Manchester United.
United were comfortably beaten by Palace and lacked clear and progressive tactical instruction, something that Leeds are renowned for under Bielsa.
“I think Solskjaer got a lot wrong yesterday because he should have made changes a lot earlier,” former Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino told talkSPORT. “There was no urgency.
“I was watching Leeds in the earlier game, and then watching Man United at 5:30pm and I was thinking, ‘maybe United do need something different’. Not players, but maybe they need Bielsa.
“Leeds are sure to excite in the Premier League this season having scored seven goals in their first two matches – and also conceded seven!
“I’m looking at Man United and thinking they do the exact opposite of what Leeds do – they don’t take risks.
“When Ole gets it right – and he has got it right in a good few games – they are offensive and attacking and dangerous from many parts of the team.
“But yesterday they were laboured, sloppy and never had anything which represents Manchester United.”
Centre-backs Leeds could sign this summer
While Leeds’ offensive style has been hugely exciting and encouraging, their defensive issues will be of concern for Bielsa.
In two games, the Whites have conceded seven goals, including three to Fulham having previously appeared to have wrapped up the game by going 4-1 ahead.
Notably, Leeds’ centre-back options have underwhelmed. Liam Cooper returned to the starting XI against Fulham, but Robin Koch has made high-profile mistakes that have emphasised the loss of Ben White.
With the transfer window still open, there are defenders that Leeds could target. And Tom Victor has provided several names the club could look at in the coming weeks for Leeds Live.
These include Josko Gvardiol, the teenage starlet of Dinamo Zagreb linked with the Whites, Fabian Schar, who seems to be out in the cold at Newcastle United, and Chelsea reserve Matt Miazga.
You can view the full list here.
