Good Morning. It's Thursday 6th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Everton close in on GnontoEverton are in pole position to snap up Italian International Wilfried Gnonto according to various media outlets. The 19yo is recuperating after the Euro's (U21's), and may not even return to Thorp Arch for pre-season training, if these rumours prove to be true.
According to 'Calciomercato', the next few days will be decisive, as to where he ends up next season. Fiorentina, Monza, Sassuolo and Freiburg have all expressed an interest in the versatile winger, but according to his agent, he was to stay in the Premier League.
Aston Villa and more recently Crystal Palace have thrown their hats into the ring, but for now at least, Goodison Park seems a more likely destination. Gnonto has four years left on his contract, which should ensure Leeds receive a decent amount of money for their prized asset. Everton value him at £17m, though some reports are quoting as little as £12m, whilst Leeds want double that.
Should Cooper retain the Leeds CaptaincySince arriving at Elland Road in the Summer of 2014, Leeds stalwart Liam Cooper has enjoyed a roller coaster of a ride. He caught the eye of then Director of Football Nicola Salerno during a pre-season friendly against Chesterfield, and weeks later joined in a £600,000 deal (plus £150,000 when Leeds were promoted to the top flight).
He's gone on to make 246 appearances for the Whites over his nine year tenure. His leadership qualities both on and off the pitch earned him the Captaincy, an accolade he was given by his fellow players during Garry Monks time in charge, and he has kept hold of it ever since.
Now, at the age of 32 (next month), injuries have caught up with him, and his pace is also a cause for concern. Last season, he managed just 1427 minutes of game time, half the amount of Koch, Meslier and Harrison; even Patrick Bamford enjoyed more game time. In his absence, Luke Ayling proved an adequate skipper, though in reality, neither could provide the kind of impact needed for a relegation fight?
Tyler Adams would make an excellent Captain, but the chances of him still being at the club next season are remote. Should Leeds stick with the Cooper / Ayling combo, or look elsewhere? Should they be playing at all next term. Whilst there's a lot to be said for experience, collectively, they have the pace of a Leeds Utd takeover.
Leeds narrow down shot stopper searchWith Illan Meslier expected to leave Elland Road this Summer, and Joel Robles out of contract, Leeds have been busy drawing up a list of suitable replacements; but it seems they have narrowed down their search to two choices!
Viktor Johansson (Rotherham) and Karl Darlow (Newcastle Utd) have continually been linked with moves to LS11 for several weeks. Darlow, at 32, may be a more experienced shot-stopper, but Johansson held the best stats in the Championship last season, saving 160 of the 216 shots he faced (74.07%). His performances were not just instrumental in maintaining Rotherham's Championship status, but he was also recalled to the Swedish National squad.
Darlow spent the second half of last season with Hull City, helping them to a 15th place finish last season; and now looks destined to join a Championship outfit. Newcastle are keen to sell him, and perhaps do a deal involving Tyler Adams going to St James Park. Leeds temporary Director of Football Nick Hammond spent some time the January transfer window 18 months ago at St James Park, in a similar role, and helped stave off the threat of relegation.
