Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Wednesday, 7 October.
Leeds should let Douglas go - Whelan
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes the club would be making the right choice in letting Barry Douglas join a Championship club.
Douglas is free to leave Elland Road with Watford and Blackburn Rovers said to be interested in the 31-year-old’s signature.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan believes a move back to the second tier would be in Douglas’ best interests after largely failing to impress since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018.
“We saw the best of Barry Douglas at the end of last season but we also saw an average Barry Douglas for two seasons.
“So all in all it’s not been a great move for Barry and it’s not been a good move for Leeds.
“He was very rarely involved, we never saw the real Barry Douglas that we bought from Wolves.”
Raphinha quashes conspiracy over Leeds move
Raphinha has poured cold water on rumours that moving to Leeds was against his will by saying that it was the right time to try a new challenge.
The Brazilian winger moved to Elland Road on deadline day with Get France Football News reporting that the player’s preference had been to stay at Rennes.
However, in a farewell message to the French club on Instagram, the 23-year-old appeared to suggest the opposite was true.
"The project was to stay at the club longer but a great opportunity presented itself, both for me and Rennes, and by mutual agreement we decided it was a good time for me to go looking for new challenges,” he wrote.
"I am also grateful to the club for their trust in my work and for everything the board and fans have brought me in just over a year.”
Leeds still facing legal action over Augustin deal
RB Leipzig have confirmed their intention to pursue legal action against Leeds over a contractual dispute involving striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
Leeds signed Augustin on loan in January with an obligation to buy the Frenchman for €21million if they achieved promotion to the Premier League.
And while the club did return to the top flight, they did so in mid-July, not before June 30. They therefore felt they were freed from their obligation.
On deadline day, Nantes signed Augustin, whose time at Elland Road was hampered by injury. However, RB Leipzig intend to pursue the matter.
“Jean-Kevin Augustin has not been a player at RB Leipzig since the rise of Leeds United,” said the German club’s sporting director Florian Scholz.
“Our view of the law has not changed. We will take legal action against Leeds and turn on FIFA.
“Regardless of our claims against Leeds United, we would be delighted if Jean-Kevin could be back on the football field.”
