Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Friday, August 7.
Leeds urged to pursue Champions League winner
Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has encouraged the Whites to sign Liverpool forward Divock Origi.
Origi, 25, joined the Reds from Lille in 2014 and has scored several memorable goals during his time at Anfield.
Last season he managed six goals in 42 appearances, with the majority of those games coming via the substitutes bench.
Despite his bit-part role under Jurgen Klopp, Whelan thinks he could be a game-changer for Leeds.
“I do like Origi,” Whelan told Football Insider. “He has pace, power, can hold the ball up and can play out wide. He ticks a lot of boxes.
“I am surprised that Leeds have not questioned him but maybe his wages would be a stumbling block. When a player is at a big club like Liverpool, wages can be a problem especially when you only have a certain budget.
"Sometimes you need to shop carefully.”
Marcelo Bielsa is believed to be in the market this summer for a forward to provide competition for Patrick Bamford.
Phillips issues injury update
Kalvin Phillips is ahead of schedule in recovering from the knee injury that ended his 2019/20 campaign early.
Phillips was absent for the Championship run-in after an injury sustained against Swansea City.
The 24-year-old allowed himself a brief holiday after promotion was secured, but has now confirmed he is back and rehabbing his knee ahead of Leeds' return to the Premier League.
“I’ve been away with Tyler [Roberts], Ben [White] and some of the lads for a few days, then as soon as I came back, I’ve started working on the physio for my knee,” Phillips told Leeds United’s official website.
“It’s all looking good, I’m just happy that I’m looking after myself and I’m probably a couple of weeks ahead of schedule.”
The midfielder also addressed talk about his international prospects, and you can read his thoughts on that here.
Bravo hails Bielsa as he discusses Leeds links
Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has poured cold water on speculation linking him with a move to Elland Road this summer.
Bravo, 37, is out of contract later this month and will be on the lookout for a new club.
The former Barcelona stopper brings a wealth of experience with him, and many feel he would be perfect for Bielsa’s side.
Bravo played under Bielsa during the latter’s time in charge of the Chilean national team, but he does not believe a reunion is likely.
“Logically, one always has a greater learning with these technicians,” he said of Bielsa during an Instagram interview with Mujeresconopionion . “It is difficult for the possibility to arise, knowing what their job is, what their challenges are.
“I do not see myself signing in one place for four or five seasons. The possibility is very distant.”
Leeds have already confirmed the signing of Illan Meslier on a three-year deal from Lorient following a good loan spell.
