Good Morning. It's Friday 22nd December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Dortmund eyeing Gray capture Borussia Dortmund are plotting an audacious move to steal Archie Gray away from Elland Road. According to ESPN, Gray is one of three teenagers that the Bundesliga giants want to bring to the Signal Iduna Park Stadium in 2024 (along with PSG midfielder Senny Mayulu and Ajax defender Jorrel Hato). For someone so young, Gray has exceeded expectations this term. Although he's been a part of the first team plans for the last few seasons, he's barely kicked a ball for the starting XI, though to be fair, he is more than making up for it now. It's not yet Christmas, but Archie has already racked up over 2200 minutes of game time from all competitions. He tops most tackles made this season (for Leeds), and ranks second for blocked passes. Due to his age, Gray was only able to pen a two and a half year deal, (signed days after his 17th Birthday back in March). If Dortmund think the length of his contract will make it easier to negotiate a deal for him, they'll be sadly disappointed. please log in to view this image Stick or twist in January Phil Hay, the former Chief Football writer for the YEP has strongly suggested that Leeds should invest in a new left back, and No10 in the New Year. Whether 49ers Enterprises are brave enough to risk financial fair play sanctions if it all goes wrong (and Leeds fail to win promotion come May) is another question altogether. Daniel Farke has already intermated a quiet transfer window for the Whites, but could this be a rouse, so not to attract attention? With injuries to Messrs Firpo, Dallas and Byram, Leeds could do with a specialist No3. Whilst Spence can operate in that position, having two inverted wide men playing down the left channel may upset the dynamics of the team. It will be interesting to see what plans Daniel Farke has for Spence in the New Year! Up front, the Rutter / Piroe combination has contributed twelve goals and ten assists so far this season. Whilst respectful, the amount of missed opportunities could be the difference between the top two, and the lottery of the play offs. Farke doesn't have a recognised 'B' plan when the duo are having an off day and isn't going to move Summerville away from his inverted winger / third striker role which has seen the Dutchman top the Championship ratings this season. Nothing is done without Farke having the final say, however, which was how he insisted it had to be when he took the job as first-team manager in July. Part of the reason he asked for the title of manager specifically was that he didn’t want to be a head coach who had players or tactical structures hoisted upon him. This is very much his squad and his plan. Leeds could do with an extra left-back. Farke said he had been thinking of bringing one in even before Sam Byram and Junior Firpo got injured, but those absences must be crystallising his thinking. Byram has been excellent but his injury issues mean Leeds cannot lean on him too much or expect him to be unbreakable. Firpo has hardly been available and his performances rarely erase doubts about his game and suitability. Left-back aside, No 10 would appear to be the position where Farke’s choice is slimmest. If he is not going with the Rutter-Joel Piroe combination up front, it is not clear who is best suited to that role — Farke has players who could have a go, but he does not have many obvious specialists. please log in to view this image
