Your Leeds United evening headlines for Thursday, January 6.
Raphinha ‘not for sale’
Leeds will refuse offers for star player Raphinha this month and are preparing for fresh talks with their star asset.
The Mirror reports that Whites director of football Victor Orta has already had two meetings with the Brazilian’s agent - ex-Chelsea and Barcelona star Deco - and even welcomed him to Elland Road as a guest for the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal last month.
The Brazilian has been the sole bright spark in an otherwise underwhelming season for Leeds, with his eight goals this season making him the club’s top goalscorer.
Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool but Leeds chiefs feel confident that his future remains in Yorkshire.
Bamford back for FA Cup clash
Talisman Patrick Bamford should make his anticipated return to Leeds this weekend for the cup clash against West Ham.
Mirror journalist David Anderson says Bamford - who was the Whites’ top scorer last season with 17 goals - has recovered from a hamstring injury that has seen him miss the last six fixtures.
The 28-year-old has been unlucky with injuries this season and Leeds fans will be hoping his return can inspire a run of form that drags them away from the relegation zone.
Leeds join race for Kamara
Leeds will rival Chelsea, Man Utd and Newcastle for the signature of French wonderkid Boubacar Kamara.
The France U21 international was linked with a move to the Premier League last summer but Marseille’s steep price tag scared suitors off.
However, the 22-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the Daily Mail claims clubs are on red alert to swoop in for a cut-price deal.
Kamara is a defensive midfielder who can play at centre-back and is billed as a player who could form a formidable partnership with Kalvin Phillips.
Whites to ban pitch invaders
Leeds have released a statement saying any fan who steps onto the pitch will be handed a one-year ban from the club.
The news comes following a series of incidents in recent weeks involving young supporters that the club is now looking to clamp down on.
A statement read: “"Leeds United would like to remind fans that encroachment on the pitch will not be permitted at any time and is a criminal offence.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to those invading the pitch and those putting players at risk, with football banning orders issued to any supporters identified.
"The recent trend with incidents have included young supporters being sent onto the pitch and this will not be tolerated whether it is before, during or after a game, in these cases the parents or guardians of the juniors in question will be given a one-year ban.”
