Good Morning. It's Boxing Day. We hope you had a lovely Christmas. Here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Leeds emerging as one of the favourites to land Villa starletLeeds are emerging as one of the favourites to land Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry on loan next month following his extraordinary performances for Stockport during the first half of the season.
The highly rated winger / striker has netted 14 times, and provided three assists (from 21 games) for Dave Challinor's league One outfit, prompting calls for his parent club to recall him. He had been strongly linked with a January move to Middlesbrough as a replacement for Emmanuel Latte Lath who has been strongly linked with West Ham and Ipswich Town.
Over Christmas, the Northern Echo reported that despite strong interest, the Smoggies are in control of his future, and should they sell him, will be looking "to come out of January as strong, if not stronger". Whilst Barry offers plenty of potential, it remains to be seen whether he can show the same levels of dominance in the Championship which perhaps rules out a move to the Riverside.
Multiple reports including the Yorkshire Evening Post seem to confirm Leeds interest in the 21yo, but why? Barry likes to cut inside, dribble and will shoot on sight of goal, but is that really the kind of forward Leeds need? Wingers are plentiful at Elland Road; if they are to bring in a forward, don't they need someone who can lead the line? Villa will not want his game time drastically reduced, even if it does mean playing in a higher division!
Bamford willing to take pay cut for January exitA number of Championship clubs (and Wrexham) have been put on high alert over Christmas after new reports surfacedsuggesting Patrick Bamford would be willing to take a cut in his salary in exchange for first team football.
The 31yo hitman has only managed 102 minutes of league game time this season despite staying fit for the majority of games. His 6.04 Whoscored rating (22nd in roster) goes a long way to explaining his lack of game time, and why he finds himself behind both Piroe and Joseph in he pecking order.
It remains to be seen where the one cap England wonder can perform even at League One level. Leeds fans expected him to dominate when relegated from the top flight 18 months ago, yet even when fit, his goal tally v appearance rate is miserable! Should Bamford be allowed to leave, even if a replacement is not bought in?
Leeds have 'concrete' interest in Swedish shot-stopperLeeds United are reportedly showing a "serious" and "concrete" interest in signing Swedish goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist ahead of the January transfer window, as reported by FotbollDirekt.
The 22-year-old has caught the attention of Daniel Farke’s side, who have been scouting him during several Allsvenskan matches. Mjällby's Sporting Director, Hasse Larsson, has confirmed the interest from the Whites ahead of the January transfer window.
Standing 6' 6, the 22yo shot-stopper has put in some impressive performances for Mjällby this season, also catching the eye of scouts from Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday, though Leeds it seems, are currently in the driving seat.
