Here is your Leeds United morning digest for Wednesday, July 15.
Leeds confirm three-year deal
Leeds United have confirmed that exciting defender Oliver Casey has penned a three-year deal following his breakthrough season at Elland Road.
The 19-year-old has caught the eye of Marcelo Bielsa, being named in the first-team squad on 12 occasions this season and making his debut in December against Huddersfield Town.
Carlos Corberan used Casey regularly in Premier League Professional Development League Group North, using him as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back.
It is unlikely that he will be the last of the U23 ranks to put pen to paper on new terms and further announcements are expected.
Big hint dropped on Bielsa's future
Marcelo Bielsa's brother has claimed that the Leeds United boss will extend his stay at Elland Road if the club are promoted to the Premier League.
Bielsa, who penned a one-year extension last summer, sees his current deal at the club expire at the end of the season and, given his unpredictability, fans will be forgiven for being concerned.
However, his brother Rafael has dropped a major hint: “It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken to him, but the question should be, how could you not renew your contract if you go up as champions?" He told Argentine outlet TyC Sports.
“It’s always better to go to the Premier League with a team where you know all the players.”
Bruce backs Douglas to shine in Premier League
Alex Bruce has backed Barry Douglas to be a key figure for Leeds United in the Premier League next season if he signs a new deal at Elland Road.
The 30-year-old sees his current deal at the club expire next summer, which could lead to a sale when the window opens to raise funds, but Bruce believes he has an important role to play.
“They’ll need a healthy squad to deal with the Premier League’s demands and he’ll play a big part because it will be a totally different outfit to what they’ve been used to over the past few years," he told Football Insider.
“They’ll be doing all they can to get their squad ready to make it suitable and ready to cope with the Premier League.”
