Here is your Leeds United morning digest on Monday, January 4.
Brown heaps praise on Ayling
Michael Brown has heaped praise on Leeds star Luke Ayling for his ability to adapt to the centre-back position in recent games.
Ayling has been forced to slot in at centre-half following injuries to Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch - and the orthodox right-back has been impressive while doing so.
The Whites' 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday ended a run of back-to-back clean sheets, signalling a massive improvement in Marcelo Bielsa 's defence.
Brown, when speaking to Football Insider, believes Ayling is "on top of his game" at the moment.
"Well, he's done amazing to slot in across the position, he's a nice lad with it as well," the former Leeds midfielder said.
"You can see he's someone who loves football, he's had his injuries over time and he just wants to play, doesn't he? He's absolutely on top of his game, buzzing."
Farke's Buendia transfer stance
Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia over the summer transfer window.
However, Buendia stayed put at Carrow Road, despite their relegation to the Championship, but rumours around his future keep circulating.
But, Canaries boss Daniel Farke has expressed his confidence that the Argentine will stay with his current club for the time being.
“Emi is a key player for us, an important member of the group, and he is totally committed to us,” Farke said.
“He is our player and will continue to be our player - he is on a long-term contract with the club so we keep him.
“Everyone knows his qualities - and I don’t expect interest just because he scored a wonder goal today (vs Barnsley). He has scored a number like this for us and people know what he can do."
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Wright's Bamford's advice
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Patrick Bamford needs to learn from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min's performances for Tottenham against Leeds on Saturday.
The explosive duo both netted as Spurs ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against the Whites.
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Wright claimed that Son and Kane both have a drive to succeed and create better opportunities for themselves.
This is something that Bamford needs to possess, according to the former England striker.
“It is the energy and determination, for me, which you do not see a lot of now. Olivier Giroud does it. You saw it again today that Son attacks the near-post with real attention," he said.
“This is something that Patrick Bamford, who is having a great season, needs to do more.
“He is hoping something happens for him, but he needs to show a lot more drive and determination.
“We know Kane and Son are on the same wavelength. Once Kane gets the ball, Son is off. He has got two yards on Stuart Dallas there, but he is going in there with real intention to take it. Look at his pace. Bang!”
