Good evening, Leeds fans. Here are your evening headlines for Thursday, August 27.
Klich lifts lid on Bielsa’s Premier League preparations
Leeds defender Mateus Klich has revealed how Marcelo Bielsa is putting the squad through their paces ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
The Whites secured their long-awaited top-flight return after clinching the Championship title back in July, and Bielsa will be leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
Polish international Klich was ever-present for Leeds in their promotion push last term, and he explained in an interview with LUTV that Bielsa is pushing the players as hard as ever .
"I think this one is the most intense and the hardest one yet," the Pole said.
"Obviously we didn't have much holidays, but to be fair I couldn't wait to start next season so I don't really want to have more holidays.
"Some of the boys were already in the Premier League and have some games but I've never been and for me it's going to be a nice experience.
“It's the best league in the world so I just can't wait to get started."
Leeds kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to defending champions Liverpool on September 12, followed by a home game against fellow new boys Fulham.
Leeds target €30m Serie A defender
Leeds are considering a €30m offer for Lazio defender Luiz Felipe, according to reports.
Bielsa is in the market for a new centre-back ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season, with strong links to former loan star Ben White and Brighton’s Shane Duffy.
However, according to Italian source La Lazio Siamo Noi, via Sports Witness, Felipe has now emerged as a target with Leeds contacting the Italian club over a potential deal.
Despite Leeds’ interest in securing a deal, Lazio are holding out for a significant fee for the 23-year old who still has three years to run on his contract in the Italian capital.
Felipe played a key role in Simone Inzaghi's side in 2019/20, making 26 appearances at the heart of their defence.
Lazio are rumoured to be holding out for a fee closer to €40m but may accept an offer of €37m if Leeds move quickly.
Grealish frustrated at England snub in favour of Phillips
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish has hinted at his irritation on missing out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips named in the 24-man squad.
Phillips received his first call up to represent England at senior level following an eye-catching role in Leeds’ Premier League promotion campaign last season.
However, Grealish’s continued omission from Three Lions duty was the big news from Southgate’s announcement, with England facing Iceland and Denmark in UEFA Nations League action next month.
Grealish’s annoyance at being overlooked was shown by him liking a tweet from SkyBet which quoted an old comment from Southgate which stated Grealish needed top-flight experience before earning a call-up, something which Phillips doesn't yet have.
Southgate was full of praise for Phillips after naming him in the squad, highlighting him as an option to solve a problem position for the national team.
“I think he is a player we have watched a lot in the last 12 months with Leeds. I think they have had an outstanding way of playing.
“The position he plays is a position where we need competition for places and the way he plays the role and the way he has been coached into the role is clear to see.
“It is a proud moment for him, his family and his club."
If Phillips does play for England in their key September games, he will be the first Leeds player to do so since Paul Robinson back in 2003.
