Here are the Leeds United morning headlines for Thursday, July 23.
Leeds on the hunt
Leeds United have been credited with an interest in Queens Park Rangers’ playmaker Eberechi Eze.
The 21-year-old has spent the past two seasons captivating fans at Loftus Road, and this summer looks set to make a Premier League switch.
Leeds are reportedly in the race for Eze’s signature, but will face competition from a string of London clubs.
The Whites’ negotiating position will be improved by their standing as a Premier League club once again, but QPR’s 2019/20 Player of the Year may prefer a stay in the capital.
The Sun claims Eze, who scored 13 goals and provided eight assists this season, is valued at £20m by QPR.
Bosses get pat on back
Leeds United director Angus Kinnear has praised the club hierarchy following promotion to the top flight.
Kinnear described owner Andrea Radrizzani as a “visionary” before going on to acclaim Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds Director of Football Victor Orta.
Writing in the matchday programme ahead of Leeds’ 4-0 win over Charlton, Kinnear said of Orta: “Victor was the man who had the audacity to suggest we should bring Marcelo to our club and it has been their partnership that has been central to our footballing success.”
Referring to maverick boss Bielsa, Kinnear said it had been a pleasure to work with him and learn.
"The appetency shared by Marcelo and the supporters has been central to our success. Marcelo understands and loves Leeds.”
Bus parade angst
Leeds United celebrated the end to their 16-year exile from the top flight with an open-top bus parade following their final game of the season.
It came after their 4-0 win over relegated Charlton Athletic, but seems to have caused division amongst fans, some of whom feel the move was irresponsible given the coronavirus pandemic.
The club have defended their decision, insisting it was taken with the safety of fans in mind, but many who heeded advice to stay away from Elland Road feel let down.
Thousands did gather outside the stadium, engulfing Lowfields Road and surrounding the bus on which the triumphant Leeds squad celebrated with the Championship trophy.
Leeds issued a statement reiterating their “contingency plan” and the thinking behind it. It said: “Following consultation, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road.”
