Good Morning. It's Wednesday 13th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Raphinha set to complete move todayRaphinha will fly to Spain today and complete his £60m move to Barcelona. The Brazilian star will pen a five year contract with the Catalan Giants, ending months of speculation about his future. Although negotiations have dragged, all parties can be reasonably happy at the conclusion.
The 25yo made 65 appearances for the Whites over his two-year stay, scoring 17 times.
Leeds tempted by Blackburn aceLeeds Utd scouts were in attendance to watch Blackburn Rovers entertain Accrington Stanley last weekend, as speculation grows linking Ben Brereton Diaz with a move across the Pennines. The 23yo Chilean International Striker has been on Victor Orta's short list for a while, and with a £60m kitty soon to be burning a hole in Leeds' wallet, a move to Elland Road seems plausible.
Diaz is believed to be available for around £20m - £25m, the same sort of price as PSG's Arnaud Kalimuendo. Sources from Paris indicate they are demanding a buyback clause for their 20yo protégé, which if true, could scupper the deal before it starts.
Newcastle eyeing Harrison captureNewcastle Utd are eyeing up a move for Jack Harrison, after missing out on Moussa Diaby. Bayer Leverkusen were demanding over £60m for their French International winger, a fee the Magpies weren't prepared to pay. If media reports are true, Jack Harrison is next in line on their shopping list. This could have a detrimental effect on Jesse Marsch's pre-season preparations, as the American prepares for the visit of Wolves in less than four weeks.
Marsch has new role for HarrisonMany Leeds fans were worried about Jack Harrison's future, following the arrival of Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord. Although right footed, the 23yo Columbian International plays predominantly on the left wing, a position currently occupied by the former Citeh youngster. It turns out however, that Harrison is very much in Jesse Marsch's plans, though not as a left winger.
Marsch likes to play with inverted wingers (having a right footed player on the left wing and visa versa). This would allow Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison to cut inside, effectively becoming supporting strikers. New signing, Sinisterra netted 23 times, and registered 14 assists for Feyenoord last season, playing in this very role. There would be much reliance on the wing backs to overlap and get the crosses in.
