Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Friday December 11, 2021.
De Paul wants it so lets get it done
It was one of the biggest discussion points of the summer, Leeds United's interest in Rodrigo De Paul and whether the play would be coming to Elland Road.
For weeks it was debated, with Leeds' admiration for the player clear and the Argentinian making it clear himself he wanted to make the move to the Premier League and join up with countryman Bielsa.
Ultimately, it came down to finances and having already spent a big outlay, Leeds were not going to be held to ransom over a deal that was quickly rising towards the £40m mark as Udinese tried to cash in. Things have changed, however.
Reports in Italy suggest the asking price has dropped considerably to around the £25m mark.
Marcelo Bielsa is still in the market for an attacking midfield man and lots of the players who attracted interest in the summer have appeared on the radar again, such as De Paul.
Speaking to The Boot Room, ex-Leeds star Nigel Martyn has backed the addition of De Paul, insisting if Leeds can afford him they should revisit the move.
“If you’ve got the money, and you can afford to do it, the quality of player is what you need in this division. But if you’re going to spend that money, he has to play.
“He has to perform. It is seeing enough of him on the pitch and performing, and they will be looking at him the whole time and probably making that decision. They see him more than we do, he would definitely be a good addition if the finances allow it.”
Snodgrass hoping for reunion
Ahead of this evening's match at Elland Rioad against West Ham, Hammers midfielder Robert Snodgrass admits Leeds United will always hold a special place in his heart.
It is over eight years since Snodgrass departed Leeds, having made over 150 league appearances during his four years at the club.
Speaking to West Ham's official website, Snodgrass admitted he will be coming up against a team he still has strong feelings of admiration for.
The Scottish international also praised the way Bielsa's side have managed to adapt to the Premier League so far this season.
He said: "It’ll be a great game for the neutral because you’ve got two sides who believe – two sides with confidence.
"Leeds have come up and taken the Premier League by storm, really. They’ve played against some of the best teams in the league, creating chances all over the place and having no fear.
Tonight's squad to face West Ham
Leeds United return home tonight as they kick off the Premier League weekend with the visit of West Ham United to Elland Road.
The squad at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal almost picks itself with new injuries and returning players trading places in the unit at LS11 this evening.
Leif Davis may be the unlucky 19th man to miss out if Jamie Shackleton is sharp enough to step onto the bench as one of Bielsa’s defensive options.
It is expected Pascal Struijk will be the other, while Ian Poveda, Tyler Roberts, Helder Costa and Pablo Hernandez provide the attacking and midfield options for the head coach.
The focus on the bench is because the first team has already been named by Bielsa, who expects Rodrigo to come in for Robin Koch.
Full Leeds United squad: Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Ian Poveda, Patrick Bamford, Ezgjan Alioski, Tyler Roberts, Kiko Casilla, Stuart Dallas, Helder Costa, Raphinha, Pablo Hernandez, Rodrigo, Pascal Struijk, Jack Harrison, Kalvin Phillips, Leif Davis, Mateusz Klich, Jamie Shackleton.
