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Kieran King

Leeds United news as Ian Wright questions Illan Meslier for role in Newcastle United winner

Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on Monday, January 24.

Wright questions Meslier

Former England forward Ian Wright has criticised Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier for his role in Newcastle United's winning goal in their 1-0 win at Elland Road.

The Frenchman appeared to get a firm hand on to Jonjo Shelvey's low free-kick, but the ball squirmed into the back of the net, giving the Magpies all three points in the process.

It was tight up until that moment and Leeds were unable to force themselves back into the game, leaving them in 15th heading into the upcoming winter break.

However, Wright has clamed Meslier for the goal and admitted he should've been stronger to make the save.

"This is a poor goalkeeping error, for me," Wright told Premier League Productions.

"I think from where that wall is, I don’t think he is getting that up and over.

"So, the goalkeeper’s side. He has to be strong on that side. People are saying ‘is this offside? Did he interfere?’ He’s onside and there was no touch.

"But I think the goalkeeper, he has no reason to think that can go up and over that side of the wall.

"It’s a goalkeeping mistake. And, at this stage, with Newcastle where they are. They will take anything."

Kinnear addresses transfer rumours update

Eight-figure transfer investments by Leeds United in this transfer window are not guaranteed upgrades on the club’s best youngsters, Angus Kinnear has warned.

With time ticking on the second half of this month’s window, the chief executive has addressed the big debate around new faces vs youth development at the club.

With Leo Hjelde and Lewis Bate keeping their heads above water in the two West Ham United matches, Kinnear showered them in praise in his programme notes for the Newcastle United clash.

In praising their progress and the club’s long-term vision for youth development, Kinnear addressed the elephant in the room around transfers.

While he did not rule out investment, Kinnear made it clear eight-figure transfer fees would not guarantee a footballer better than the youth already in the building.

He also underlined the keenness in the corridors of Elland Road to avoid blocking routes to the first team for the likes of Bate and Hjelde.

"We are confident we are building a long-term competitive advantage in the recruitment and development of world-class young talent," he said.

"Central to this strategy is our ability to promise and deliver to young players a fast track to first-team football, as well as a culture where there is a belief in the process and where the players, irrespective of age, are trusted to deliver on the Premier League stage."

Read more here.

Leeds injury latest following Newcastle defeat

It is rare that injury news regarding Leeds United is positive but the returns of Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt to the squad for the defeat to Newcastle United provided a welcome boost.

Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa certainly needed his attacking options replenishing and was finally allowed to call on all three, although he did not introduce Roberts and Gelhardt until the latter stages.

The tight-knit Leeds squad has been stretched to its limits this season and consequently, the club has become the first in Premier League history to hand debuts to eight teenagers in a single campaign.

Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper remain long-term absentees but a return for Adam Forshaw could be close.

The midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in the league win over West Ham United but insisted on social media he would be back in action following the break if not for the Newcastle clash.

There has been no date fixed for the returns of Junior Firpo, Charlie Cresswell and Jamie Shackleton but supporters will be hoping the break provides an opportunity for at least some recoveries to be completed before the trip to Aston Villa.

Read more here.

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