Riqui Puig loan disappointment
Leeds United have a job on their hands if they are to tempt Riqui Puig to Elland Road in the near or medium-term future.
The situation surrounding Puig's future remains unclear, with conflicting reports regarding his next 12 months, whether that be under Ronald Koeman at Barcelona or elsewhere.
The Dutchman has been vocal in his criticism of the 21-year-old recently, but Sky Italia report Puig is not available on loan this January window. This is despite Puig featuring in just four minutes of La Liga action so far this year, and his contract set to run out in the summer.
Barcelona reserve the right to extend Puig's deal by two years, but with just six months remaining and an extension not yet finalised, Puig is free to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign sides.
Michael Olise release clause rubbished
LeedsLive have been informed that Michael Olise's supposed £8 million release clause may not be a viable avenue for Leeds to acquire the player.
Olise had been linked with a move to Leeds United amidst interest from a flurry of other clubs after a stellar start to the 2020/21 Championship campaign with Reading.
A recruitment source has suggested that Leeds would not be able to trigger any such clause, although it is unclear whether that is because the clause does not exist, or that there is a first-refusal in place for Olise's former club Chelsea.
Costa move a non-starter
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Premier League striker Kevin Phillips stated Leeds United may be an enticing destination for Diego Costa this January.
Costa agreed to terminate his deal with Atletico Madrid and is currently a free agent, however any move to Leeds United would not tally with the physical demands Marcelo Bielsa expects of his players.
Costa is 32 years-old, and notoriously a difficult dressing room presence, owing to his tumultuous time with Chelsea.
In addition, a key reason for Atletico's decision to release the Brazilian-born striker was the need to reduce their annual wage bill to fall in line with La Liga regulations and Costa's failure to justify his astronomical wage, which would obliterate Leeds United's payscale.
The Madrid club also added Luis Suarez in summer from FC Barcelona, further squeezing Costa out of the first team picture, which also inferred his efficacy as a top flight striker may be beginning to wane.
