Good evening, Leeds fans. Here are your evening headlines for Wednesday, July 29.
Leeds step up interest for Benfica midfielder
Leeds United are keen on Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis as they aim to add quality to their squad ahead of their first Premier League campaign in 16 years.
According to reports in Portugal, as covered by Sport Witness, Marcelo Bielsa’s side will face competition from AC Milan for the 20-year-old, who has played for Portugal at under-20 level.
A Bola claim the Whites are keen on a loan with an option to buy, with Record and O Jogo also carrying the story.
However, the youngster’s future will depend on whether Jorge Jesus - who is due to return as Benfica manager next season - sees him as part of his plans.
Florentino has played 10 Primeira Liga games this season, and also featured in both of Benfica’s Champions League group stage games against Lyon.
The defensive midfielder has one senior goal to his name, netting in a 4-0 league win over Moreirense last season.
Bielsa-inspired Crespo considering England coaching options
Marcelo Bielsa’s success in charge of Leeds United has convinced Hernan Crespo to consider the possibility of managing in England.
The former Argentina and Chelsea striker, who played under Bielsa at international level, is currently in charge of Buenos Aires-based side Defensa y Justicia.
However, having witnessed Bielsa’s success, he points to his compatriot - as well as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti - as inspiration.
“These three opened up my mind to certain things, Crespo - who received an apology from Bielsa in 2018 for comments made during their time together in the Argentina set-up - told the Mail.
"If you manage to survive Argentinian football, which is a big, beautiful madness, you are ready for anywhere in the world."
Defensa y Justicia is Crespo’s third senior managerial job, after spells at Modena in Italy and Banfield in Argentina.
“I was very happy playing in England, going to training, very happy with the fans,” the 45-year-old said of his stint playing for Chelsea.
"That is why today as a manager I would like to be able to re-live that. I admire the Premier League and even the Championship, too."
Berardi issues Leeds fans with update after surgery
Leeds United will be without Gaetano Berardi for the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season after the defender suffered an ACL tear in the league win over Derby County.
The injury led to the Swiss defender leaving the field on a stretcher just half an hour into the victory at Pride Park, and there are fears he could be sidelined for up to nine months.
With his contract due to run out this summer, he may have played his last game for the club, but even if he agrees a new deal he would need to wait a while before returning to action.
And while his longer-term future remains uncertain, Berardi has been quick to update supporters on his condition after receiving surgery on the injured knee.
He shared a photo from his hospital bed in Barcelona with the caption ‘new knee,’ giving the thumbs-up to those concerned about his health.
