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Good Morning. It's Wednesday 1st February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road.
Leeds turn down Old Trafford star
It has been revealed that Victor Orta turned down the chance to sign Manchester Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe on transfer deadline day. The 25yo centre-back is surplus to requirements, and secured a last minute loan move to Stoke City, but not before his services were offered (for sale) to Leeds Utd.
Tuanzebe, a Congolese International has spent sixteen years on the books of Old Trafford, yet has only mustered 19 first team appearances for them..
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Whites reject Foxes advances for Harrison
Leeds fans can be forgiven for being a little skeptical these days, given their recent history. Having (potentially) spent £75m reinforcing the squad, many stayed glued beyond the 11pm watershed, expecting a sting in the tail. The cut off passed, and with no signs of casualties, West Yorkshire could relax, at least until the weekend.
Leeds were concerned enough about losing the services of Jack Harrison to the King Power Stadium, to line up Nicolo Zaniolo as a ready made replacement, but that's as far as it went. Leeds rejected Leicester City's advances, prompting speculation he is ready to sign a new lucrative deal at Elland Road.
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Assembling the new pieces of the jigsaw
With the arrival of Max Wober, Georginio Rutter and Weston McKennie, Jesse Marsch has his work cut out to juggle things around, and assemble his new look line up. Does this spell the end for Cooper, Greenwood, Roca, Arronson and either Bamford or Rodrigo?
The Leeds defence hasn't looked so assured for a long time, since the arrival of Max Wober. His inclusion has added stability, organisation and confidence, but what happens once Cooper returns from injury? Who will partner Robin Koch; assuming Marsch doesn't drop the German International, in favour of playing two left footed centre backs?
The Whites have been screaming out for a decent No 8 for ages, and listening to his interview with Tyler Adams, that's where Weston McKennie see's himself. The problem arises who will drop down the pecking order to accommodate for him? The obvious choice is Greenwood, but the reality is, Roca may suffer too.
If Marsch persists in his 4-2-2-2 formation, Leeds need two wide players (from Gnonto, Harrison, Summerville and Sinisterra), with overlapping runs from the wing backs; meaning they only have two midfield positions up for grabs. The obvious choice has to be Adams and McKennie.
Other formations are available to Marsch, namely 4-1-3-2, and 4-2-3-1, but having spent £35m on Rutter, surely he's not going to be left on the bench. The Frenchman has been described as a Gnabry-esque kind of player; part centre-forward, part jet-heeled winger, therefor, Marsch only has two options. Assuming Leeds record signing starts, who should partner him up front; Bamford (assuming he stays fit) or Rodrigo?
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