Here are the Leeds United evening headlines on Monday, July 27.
United youngster identified as possible White replacement
Leeds could pursue Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe as a potential replacement for Ben White.
The latter is expected to return to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion after helping the Whites to the Championship title this season.
Leeds are hopeful of keeping White on a permanent basis, but Brighton appear to have other plans.
Instead, according to the Sun, Marcelo Bielsa may turn his attention to Tuanzebe, who has again been on the periphery at Old Trafford this season.
The 22-year-old has struggled with injuries, but is still highly rated at the club and may still be in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
However, Leeds could turn their attention towards Tuanzebe if a deal for White is not possible.
RB Leipzig sporting director ‘so sorry’ about Augustin saga
RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche has expressed his regret over the situation surrounding forward Jean-Kevin Augustin.
The 23-year-old joined Leeds on loan from the Bundesliga club for the second half of the Championship season, but managed just three appearances from the bench.
An agreement made in January between the two clubs included a permanent transfer come the end of the season, though.
But Leeds have insisted that the disruption caused by the pandemic should change the situation.
"It is clear that the Coronavirus crisis cost us a lot of money as an association. Many companies are struggling with shrinking budgets, including us,” Krosche told Sportbuzzer.
When asked when Leipzig should receive payment for Augustin, he added: "Better today than tomorrow. The legal situation is clear.
“Of course [it’s] not a nice one. I am so sorry for him. He is a great football player when he’s fit.”
Leeds ‘doing everything they can’ to keep White
Eddie Gray has insisted Leeds are pushing the boat out to sign Ben White on a permanent transfer.
Brighton manager Graham Potter has revealed his intention to involve the 22-year-old defender in the first team next season after an impressive loan spell at Elland Road.
But Leeds are, according to former player Gray, determined to keep hold of White for their return to the Premier League.
“Listen, there is no question that Ben is very, very good,” he told the Sunday Post. “The club are doing everything they can to keep him for next season, and I hope they succeed because I would love to see him play for Leeds United in the Premier.
“It is unfair, though, to talk about Ben being the reason for promotion. Bielsa has built a great side and this title was a real team effort from the players and the coaches together.
“If they can’t keep Ben White, then they will have the resources available to find a replacement and the team will go on.
“Of course, it is going to be a step up in quality. The Premier League contains some of the best players in the world. But there is reason to be confident they will thrive – and I include Liam (Cooper) in that prediction.
“Leeds’ defence was one of the best in England last season, and he made an important contribution.”
