Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Saturday, 26 September.
Axed full-back is still part of Bielsa’s project
Leeds United defender Barry Douglas remains an “integral” part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans – despite not being in the squad for the Whites’ first two Premier League games.
The Scottish full-back was given a run-out in the recent Carabao Cup meeting with Hull City, but then failed to make the squad for last weekend’s 4-3 win over Fulham.
And reports have linked the 31-year-old with a switch to Scottish giants Celtic.
Quizzed on Douglas’ future, Leeds’ manager Bielsa said: “I give you the same answer as I gave you with (Robbie) Gotts, but added to the fact he has played many times for the first team.
“If he continues with us he will be a very useful player for our project. He is an integral part of the group here.
“Just because he hasn’t been part of the 18 in the first two games doesn’t mean he won’t be useful across the whole season.”
Ferdinand praises Bielsa’s “scientific approach to the game”
Ex-Leeds centre-back Rio Ferdinand has been waxing lyrical about head coach Bielsa.
Ferdinand, who left the Whites for Manchester United in July 2002 after an 18-month stay at Elland Road, paid a visit to his former cub this week – and was hugely impressed by Bielsa when he took part in a training session at Thorp Arch.
And he says he is keen to learn more about the man who is revered by Leeds fans.
Ferdinand told LUTV: “I’ve got to be honest, with Bielsa I’ve heard a lot about him and people talk about how great he is.
“A lot of people used the word scientist, he’s got that scientific approach to the game.
“He’s been around a long time but when you haven’t seen it and you go and see it, it’s a breath of fresh air.
“It’s so informative. There’s a lot of questions in your mind when you’re watching them train.”
Leeds linked with former Premier League midfielder
Leeds are plotting a late transfer window move for Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell.
According to Football Insider, the West Yorkshire side want to recruit an attacking-midfielder and a number eight for their first team in the final 10 days of the international summer window.
Leeds are believed to have made regular checks on the 22-year-old and are now readying a bid.
Cantwell, a former England Under-21 international, has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, but signed a new contract at Carrow Road last year. However, the deal only runs until 2022.
Cantwell made 30 league starts among 40 appearances in all competitions as Norwich were relegated from the Premier League last season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
