Football is firmly on the horizon with the 2020/21 campaign set to get underway next weekend.
For Leeds United, the dream of playing Premier League football for the first time since 2004 will soon become a reality as they face reigning champions Liverpool away from home in their season opener.
Marcelo Bielsa will be hopeful that his squad can compete against the best English football has to offer at the moment.
And the Whites head coach can still add to his squad before and after the trip to Anfield as the summer transfer window is open for another month and there's expected to be plenty of movement.
With the countdown to the new football season underway, our Leeds Live writer Beren Cross gave his thoughts on some of the big talking points at Elland Road right now during a Q&A with fans on Wednesday where he was asked questions on topics ranging from summer transfer targets to injury news.
Here is what he had to say about what is going on behind the scenes in west Yorkshire.
Do you think the Spanish league stance on Messi will help Leeds get out of the Augustin deal?
Beren Cross says: "That's a really good question and I was watching a few bits on the Messi saga today, which does play into the dates of last season and what they mean for legal agreements.
"Leeds are certainly using that angle on getting out of the Augustin deal.
"Leipzig will fight the other way and the lawyers will surely decide who owns him and who should be paying his wages."
Are Leeds still interested in Luiz Felipe?
Beren Cross says: "I don't believe so. With Koch through the door, that's the the other starting spot next to Cooper.
"The talk of Gvardiol surprised me, but if Bielsa wants cover for Cooper, then Felipe would be too rich and too big an ego for that sort of role."
Are Leeds still in the market for another goalkeeper?
Beren Cross says: "Orta will always have a list of four or five goalkeepers he can move for if the opportunity arises, but as it stands Bielsa is going into the new season with Meslier and Casilla, but yesterday's highlights from Stoke only amplified fans' calls for the Frenchman to start at Liverpool.
"Would not be surprised if something happened before the deadline with Casilla if something popped up in Spain."
Is Ian Poveda still seen as a first-team option?
Beren Cross says: "Poveda is definitely a first-team option and someone who caught the eye once everyone returned to training after lockdown.
"He looked okay in those flashes of the run-in. Came on for Costa yesterday at Stoke incidentally.
"Will start the season on the bench and have to wait for his chance to break into the XI.
"If Kent or another winger comes in, Poveda's got a fight on his hands to play."
Any update on De Paul or Gvardiol?
Beren Cross says: "There's been no real progression in the reports from Italy since the weekend.
"They will both need work and Leeds won't be the only club interested, especially with De Paul."
When will Bielsa finally sign his contract?
Beren Cross says: "The million-dollar question. Dragged on and on. The fact he was on the touchline in Stoke for the friendly yesterday was another shot in the arm for all concerned.
"Nobody has raised any doubts about Bielsa at any stage. As Kinnear has said more than once, it's just a case of getting the man to sign the bit of paper.
"He's just not interested in that kind of admin."
