Leeds United morning headlines Wednesday 8 September 2021:
Raphinha turns down Brazil
When it was announced that Premier League clubs were blocking international call-ups to red listed countries, it seemed there might be some fall out from Leeds United's Raphinha being denied his first ever Brazil call up, as his childhood dream was being denied.
However, Leeds owner, Andrea Radrizzani, has revealed that Raphinha accepted the situation - knowing that if he played for Brazil he would have to miss multiple Leeds matches afterwards - and even made his own decision to say no.
"We invited him to make a decision and he decided no," said Radrizzani.
"He showed great respect for his club and the Premier League in giving up this opportunity to play for his country for the first time."
Read more here.
Jackson prepares for Premier League Cup with young side expected
Leeds' U23s Coach Mark Jackson will have to call on a young side for the first Premier League Cup game of the season tonight.
Kristoffer Klaesson, Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drame, Lewis Bate, Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt are all away on international duty and Jackson has spoken of opportunities for some of the U18 side.
“We’ve got a Premier League Cup game, so we’ll be young in that competition, but that was always planned,” said Jackson.
“We can test some of the 18s going into that and see how they’re shaping up. A few of the 18s coaches can get a feel for how we work as well.
Pundits excited to see James at Leeds
Several TV and radio pundits have been sharing their views on Daniel James signing for Leeds and they all agree that the move is a good one for both player and club.
Sky Sports pundit and ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said, “He’ll suit the way they play with such pace on the counter-attack. He’ll love it there, the crowd’s a big crowd, a club that demands a lot."
