You must log in or register to see images
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Brereton Diaz back on Leeds radar
Ben Brereton Diaz is back on Leeds radar, and it's about time. The highly talented Chilean forward is on target to equal the 22 goals he netted last season (10) and also has three assists to his name. His versatility will appeal to Marsch, especially with the amount of injuries Leeds have had over the past 18 months.
He has just six months left on his contract, which suggests a fee of around £10m should be enough to pursue a move across the Pennines. Blackburn are currently third in the Championship table, five points behind Sheffield Utd in second place. The last thing they will want is to lose their Talisman halfway through the season, but £10m - £15m goes a long way in the Championship.
They could use the money to strengthen their squad, but the transfer window is short, and Leeds have a reputation for leaving deals to the last minute. At 23, he is at the ideal age; old enough for first team football, but young enough that his price tag can continue to soar.
You must log in or register to see images
Meslier is in demand
Representatives from Bayern Munich have held talks with Illan Meslier’s agent ahead of the January transfer window. The Leeds shot stopper, who narrowly missed out on selection to the World Cup with France, has been in fine form, since initially joining the Whites on loan during the Summer of 2019. They made the move permanent twelve months later, paying Lorient £5m. Now, at the age of 22, Meslier is considered one of the best young goalkeepers in the World.
Meslier’s agent Yvon Pauliquen has reportedly rebuffed Bayern Munich's advances, telling the German giants that his client's preference is ‘destined in England’. Does this mean Meslier is happy at Leeds or could it suggest that a move to either Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge may be on the cards in the foreseeable future. In the unlikely event that Meslier is sold next month, do Leeds have adequate cover in Robles and Klaesson to keep them up.
You must log in or register to see images
Pundits predict easy win for City
Former players, now pundits Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson have both predicted an easy win for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City when they visit Elland Road on Wednesday. The Champions of England are currently five points behind current pacemakers Arsenal, and will be desperate for three points. Leading bookmakers Bet365 agree. Citeh are just 2/7 for the win, whilst an unlikely Leeds victory give odds of 8/1, or 5/1 for the draw.
According to Mark Lawrenson :- "Erling Haaland will be champing at the bit and Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t at the World Cup for very long so Manchester City are in good shape. "I’ll go 2-0 to City in this one, a straightforward win. Leeds will give a load of effort and application but no, no surprises here."
Chris Sutton believes Citeh will steam roll Leeds, predicting a 4-0 scoreline:- "Manchester City put out a strong team against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Thursday and they looked like they meant business in their first game back.
"I like the way Leeds play, and they always seem to have a spell in every game where they are on top, but they rarely do it for 90 minutes and that worries me when they are up against a side as good as City."
"There will be a great atmosphere at Elland Road - I always loved going there as a player, and it is the same now I go to work on games there for 5 Live - but that won't help Leeds much here."
You must log in or register to see images
