Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Thursday, July 30.
Almada promise could scupper Leeds move
Since Leeds secured their return to the Premier League, a whole host of players have been linked with moves to Elland Road.
But perhaps none are as exciting as Velez star Thiago Almada, who has been dubbed the next Lionel Messi in his native Argentina.
Almada has previously been a target for Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona yet, given he has admitted he would like to be coached by Marcelo Bielsa, a move to Leeds appeared a possibility.
However, Velez team-mate Fernando Gago has moved to quash speculation over the 19-year-old’s future, revealing Almada has promised to remain with El Fortin for another season.
“Everyone knows when it is time to go,” Gago told Ole, via Sport Witness. “But hey, he’s going to have to stay another year because he already gave me his word. If he doesn’t comply, I won’t let him leave the house.”
Mislintat reveals interest in Whites ‘target’
VfB Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat has confirmed interest from clubs in England in striker Nicolas Gonzalez, who is reportedly a Leeds transfer target.
The 22-year-old striker struck 14 goals in the German second tier last term to fire his club back into the Bundesliga.
Stuttgart are keen to keep hold of the Argentine forward but, as Mislintat has confirmed, interest in Gonzalez from clubs across Europe is mounting.
"I see serious interest coming from both Italy and England, also a club from Germany", Mislintat told German news agency DPA.
"There has not yet been a specific request,” he added.
Leeds fans react after Jansson mistake
When Leeds sold Pontus Jansson to Brentford last summer, it was a transfer that not every fan agreed with.
However, Bielsa’s decision has certainly been vindicated this term as United have clinched a return to the Premier League in impressive fashion.
Jansson could join Leeds in the top flight next term as Brentford have reached the Championship play-off final. But a mistake from the Swede against Swansea City only highlighted why the Whites are better off without the centre-back.
With his side cruising 3-1 up on aggregate, Jansson inexplicably attempted a back-heel clearance. It went very wrong and enabled Rhian Brewster to score to set up a nervy final 10 minutes for the Bees.
The mistake didn’t prove costly, but it was one that Leeds fans all reacted to in the same way, as detailed here.
