Here are the Leeds United morning headlines for Monday, August 17.
Former Leeds man claims West Brom signing would be ‘double blow’
Danny Mills claims West Bromwich Albion’s signing of Shane Duffy from Brighton & Hove Albion would be a “double blow” for Leeds United ahead of their first season back in the Premier League for 16 years.
The Daily Mail claims the Elland Road outfit are ready to enter the pursuit of Duffy, with the Republic of Ireland International also linked with West Brom and Celtic. Mills believes the Whites would be hurt by Duffy’s decision to go to the Hawthorns.
“The worry is that if Duffy leaves Brighton, it doesn’t look as if Ben White will be leaving. That would be a double blow for Leeds, if you like,” Mills told Football Insider.
“When you’re a newly promoted team you’re looking to add two or three players of real quality or experience that can make a difference to your team. That’s what you’ve got to do. There’s no point in just buying like for like or bringing in players for the sake of it. You have to sign players for a certain reason and Duffy would be that defensive cement. He would be their foundation. He brings not only talent but a wealth of experience as well.”
Leeds see Bundesliga defender as Ben White alternative - report
Leeds will reportedly move for Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch this summer, but only if a deal for White can’t be reached before the start of the new season.
White was one of Marcelo Bielsa’s key figures last season on loan from Brighton, with his impressive performances catching the attention of a number of potential suitors now keen to sign the 22-year-old.
The Daily Telegraph reports Leeds still see White as their number one defensive target, but that they view Koch as an alternative should they fail to lure the 22-year-old back to Elland Road from Brighton.
Freiburg want a fee of at least £30million for Koch, meaning he would hardly be a much cheaper option than White, who is believed to be on the radar of Premier League champions, Liverpool.
Left-back could leave to gain first team experience
Leif Davies could be on his way out of Leeds this summer, with the young left-back set to be loaned out to gain valuable first team experience.
The Daily Mirror reports Davies is the subject of interest from Championship club Stoke City as well as League One outfit Portsmouth, with Leeds preferring a loan move to the former.
Last season saw the 20-year-old make just three league appearances for the Whites and so the decision has been taken at Elland Road to allow him to leave on loan next season.
Davies has a contract until the summer of 2023, but currently finds himself behind Stuart Dallas, Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski in the pecking order at left back.
