Here are the Leeds United morning headlines for Wednesday, July 8.
Leeds close to turning another loan permanent - report
Following yesterday’s news that Helder Costa is now officially on Leeds United’s books, the club is reportedly set to secure the long-term future of another loanee.
According to Football Insider, there’s a clause in Jack Harrison’s loan deal that gives Leeds the option to sign him permanently when the transfer window opens.
Give Me Sport suggest any such deal would be in the region of £8million.
Harrison has been a key player for Marcelo Bielsa in his second successive loan. The 23-year-old has started every game in the league this season and registered six goals and eight assists.
Landmark day for United’s academy
Leeds’ Thorp Arch academy has been awarded category one status by the Premier League for the first time.
The club described the news as marking a “landmark day” for the club, after investment into the youth set-up has more than trebled under chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s ownership, according to head of academy Adam Underwood.
“We are delighted to receive confirmation of our category one status and the credit must go to the staff who have given everything for the football club,” he said.
“They have brought through some of the best young players in the country and they will now get the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Victor Orta, Angus Kinnear and especially Andrea Radrizzani for supporting our vision in every way.
“The investment into the academy has tripled since they joined our club and they are creating a legacy that will help drive the club forward for decades to come.”
Dan James loan deal dismissed
Suggestions of a potential loan deal for Manchester United winger Dan James have been shot down by the player’s agent.
The Wales international has started 26 times in the Premier League for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season, but has recently been usurped by rising star Mason Greenwood in the pecking order.
There had been some suggestions he could be sent out on loan next season to continue getting minutes, with Leeds mentioned in some media reports after infamously missing out on the chance to sign him back in January 2019.
"No. He’s a major part of Man United’s team. I see him playing for Man United," James’ agent Jonathan Barnett told Stretty News.
“I think if you asked generally the people at Manchester United and I am presuming, I haven’t spoken to them, but they would be very pleased with his progress.
"It’s very normal with a young player that he has a little dip in his form at the same time that the other guys have done extremely well, so he’ll have to wait his chance and when he gets it, he’ll take it."
