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Beren Cross & George Bennett

Leeds United's Juan Mata gossip, transfer timeframes and Mateusz Klich's future

Leeds United fans had the chance to have their questions about the Whites answered with LeedsLive’s Beren Cross.

There were questions on Leeds' pursuit of a left-back and forward, Mateusz Klich's future at Elland Road and how the squad is shaping up with the transfer window set to close in just over three weeks.

Jesse Marsch has added eight new signings to his squad so far this summer with Joel Robles arriving at Elland Road on Tuesday following the expiration of his contract at Real Betis earlier this summer.

Here is the full transcript of every question and answer.

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F_Wilson6: Just an update on striker and LB. French reports saying Leeds readying a bid for Kalimuendo, as well as Che Adams links. LB news seems to have gone quiet. Plus just an update on whether dugouts are going to be changed. Update: Reliable French media saying Kalimuendo is going to Rennes. Does this free up Terrier? Or are we ending up with no one?

Beren Cross: Prudent, as Jesse Marsch has said, seems to be the word Leeds are sticking with through the final three weeks of the window. If the right striker becomes available, they will move, but if they don't, Leeds won't risk wasting the money on someone who does not suit the profile they want. Realistically, we are looking at someone between 19 and 25, with versatility across the frontline and a trajectory which puts them at a Champions League quarter finalist within five years.

Arnaud Kalimuendo, for whatever reason, does not seem to have ticked enough boxes for Leeds to move. As the Rennes reports show, a deal was there to be done at a reasonable price, but Leeds haven't gone for it. Like Kalimuendo, Martin Terrier is someone you sense Leeds would have moved for by now if they were going to at all. What would they be waiting for? It is intriguing it's Terrier's club which is going after Kalimuendo though.

A left-back seems even less likely. There have been no credible links to anyone in the market and the closer we get to deadline day the closer we get to Junior Firpo's return, which will be an irresistible carrot for the board, who evidently feel comfortable with Pascal Struijk as a back-up for the season.

Not heard anything on the dugouts for a while now. I know they did not meet Premier League regulations initially after promotion, but allowances were made because of Covid etc. Would imagine they get done in due course, but clearly there's been no effort to get them done during the close season.

del65: I feel the only way is speculate to accumulate as in spend that little bit more as staying in the Premiership is the goal to being established.

BC: Hello. You are certainly not the only person feeling that way. The club has spent a lot of money this summer and should be applauded for that, but they have of course raised significant funds through sales as well. They can see the spreadsheets we are not privy to and make the decisions they feel suit the club best, but on a squad balance debate alone, left-back and striker need adding to, for me. One injury to Junior Firpo or Patrick Bamford and it feels the team is going to quickly look like it's lacking in quality, depth or options.

Yeboyeah: My question is, are we optimistic of getting singings in this week or is it a case of we are waiting on other deals to be done to start the dominos moving and will possibly go down to the last few days of the window?

BC: I'm pretty happy with the window as a whole too, but would like to see those final two additions made to really cap off the whole thing. There is no suggestion signings will be made this week. If any signings are to be made before the window closes they could come later rather than sooner, in my opinion. Marsch and the club seem happy with where the squad is at right now and the only players they might move for have to tick a lot of boxes. They could well become available later in the window as their clubs buy or sell and their agents become more desperate.

Thinlizzywhite: Hi Bergen, I was impressed with the new players on Saturday. However, it was an average Wolves team and I would like to see a couple of additions. LB and striker essential. Is this going to happen because from a fan standpoint it appears we are dithering on a striker. Why haven’t we been as decisive as with the other incomings? If we are to believe the money is there I wish we had been more decisive. We need to defeat Southampton and get the new players physically up to scratch. Also, considering Klich’s impact surely he cannot be sold.

BC: Saturday was good, wasn't it? The first 20 minutes of the second half was tough to watch, but they rode out the storm, didn't put Meslier under too much pressure and then came through with some decent attacks after the subs were made. I would like to see a left-back and a striker too, but it does feel like Leeds will only move if the right option becomes available or there is an (other) injury to Firpo, Bamford or Gelhardt.

The money is there, as Radrizzani has said, for the right player, but they don't want to blow it on someone who does not fit the profile they need. The ball seems to be in Klich's court on his future. The club look happy to retain him or to let him out if that's what he wants. Saturday reassured Leeds what they can still get from him and you wonder if he continues to get minutes this month whether the Pole does want to stick around and be that impact player.

Craig92: With players coming back from injury and bans shortly. Do we think after Wolves win, that players have earned the right to start the next game, or will James have to wait his turn. Plus where do Luis Sinisterra and James fit into our strongest 11? Given the quality of Aaronson and Harrison

BC: I would be surprised if Marsch changes a winning team. The bench will be stronger hopefully, but it's hard to see him dropping anyone who started last weekend. The jury is still out on Sinisterra, we really haven't seen enough of him yet. If he's anything like as good as Raphinha then he starts in that trio with Aaronson and Harrison. James may have a fight on his hands to get in the strongest XI. It's him vs Harrison, for me, if Sinisterra proves his worth at around £25m.

Scott12: Hi Beren, do you think any more of our young players will leave on loan? I imagine once Ayling is fit Drameh might move. And will our U21s be strengthened? I think that system has served us well lately.

BC: I am led to believe Drameh wants to stay and fight for his place whether Ayling is fit or not. Max Dean, Alfie McCalmont, Jack Jenkins, Stuart McKinstry, Ian Poveda, Mateusz Bogusz and Kun Temenuzhkov seem to be the other candidates who may go out before the window closes. Don't be surprised if you see that.

Konkuk: Is there any possibility that Leeds would not recruit any more players in this window?

BC: That's certainly a possibility, yes.


muhammedd: Is Gakpo an actual possibility and is there any actual truth in Juan Mata coming in?

BC: Gakpo would have been in the Sinisterra slot, but the latter was the one they always wanted. I am told there's nothing in the Mata links.

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