Good Morning. It's Tuesday 7th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds have upper hand in Omobamidele dealLeeds have opened talks with Nottingham Forest regarding the signing of Republic of Ireland centre-back Andrew Omobamidele. He worked under Daniel Farke at Norwich, and despite being 5th choice at the City ground is held in high regard by the Leeds Manager.
The Whites face competition from promotion hopefuls Sheffield Utd, who see Omobamidele as a replacement for Harry Souttar, whose loan spell at Bramall Lane came to a premature end on Boxing Day when the 6'7 centre-back sustained a season ending Achilles injury. Last Summer, both clubs fought over the signatures of Callum O'Hare, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Alfie Gilchrist and Harrison Burrows. This time at-least, Leeds could have the upper hand. They are prepared to make the initial loan move for Omobamidele permanent in the Summer, and are believed to have offered £10m, whilst the Blades are only interested in a temporary deal.
Switzerland star Nico Elvedi is thought to be Daniel Farke's first choice. He too worked under the big German (during his brief spell with Gladbach), but whilst in the Championship, Leeds have little hope of signing him! The Blades have already signed Southampton playmaker Ben Brereton Diaz, and are close to the signature of Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury. For a club with no money, they have certainly bought in a wealth of talent!
One goal wonder on Leeds shopping listLeeds are reportedly considering a loan move for Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha as the January transfer window progresses. The German forward, 26, has faced a difficult period since recovering from a serious knee injury, struggling to regain his form and subsequently seeing limited game time at Hoffenheim. He has scored just once since joining the Bundesliga outfit 18 months ago in a €14m deal. Berisha is thought to be open to the move and would reunite him with some familiar faces, having previously played alongside Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober during their time together at Salzburg.
Highly rated keeper signs from PerthLeeds have beaten a host of top clubs (and Manchester Utd) to the signature of highly rated youngster Robbie Cook from from Australian A-League side Perth Glory. The 17yo was put through his paces during a short trial at Thorp Arch just before Christmas. A compensation package with the A-League outfit has been agreed, and a three year deal has been signed.
Whilst he is not expected to break into the first team anytime soon, his arrival is a clear indication of Leeds' long-term planning and their belief in his potential. Cook will initially join Rob Etherington’s Under-18 squad, who currently find themselves at the foot of the Premier League Northern Division table, highlighting the developmental journey ahead for the talented Aussie prospect.
