Here are the Leeds United morning headlines for Thursday, June 4.
Warnock backs Leeds to finish the job
Former Leeds manager Neil Warnock has backed the top two to complete the season by earning promotion from the Championship.
Leeds sit top of the division and Warnock told talkSPORT fans would have just wanted to end the campaign immediately to secure that promotion — but added they, and West Bromwich Albion, will earn the right to go up anyway.
“It is an amazing club Leeds - and they will fill the stadium in the top flight,” said Warnock.
“I hope those two go back up, I think Leeds fans deserve it for all that they have taken.
“And I like West Brom as well so I hope those two can make it. And then it’s anybody’s.”
Warnock did also note that manager Marcelo Bielsa didn’t “seem to have a Plan B,” but that without a credible third challenger, the route ahead looks straight-forward for Leeds.
Leeds learn firm Championship restart date
England’s second tier will restart on 20 June as planned, despite opposition in some quarters.
Queens Park Rangers are among those to have voiced their discontent with the plans, with the Mail reporting that Stoke City and Charlton Athletic are also unhappy.
The Telegraph report the EFL have agreed to remove the first midweek round of fixtures, meaning only two games each on the first week back, rather than jumping straight in with three.
At present the plan is to complete the season by July 21/22, with the play-off final set for early August, according to the report.
Ayala incoming on free transfer
Middlesbrough centre-back Dani Ayala is reportedly ready to sign for Leeds this summer, which would complete his journey back to the Premier League along with the Whites’ own promotion.
Ayala is out of contract this summer and the 29-year-old will move on a free, according to reports from the Mirror.
The Spanish defender arrived in England with Liverpool as a youngster, before moving to Norwich City after a couple of loan spells. He has been with Boro since 2013/14, first on loan and later permanently.
Leeds were always likely to need at least one centre-back this summer, given Ben White is only on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
