The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 6th June)

Good Morning. It's Friday 6th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Talks underway with Pope's agent

Illan Meslier's time at Elland Road is coming to an end. Reports suggest that Montpellier and his former club, FC Lorient, are closely monitoring the situation of the former French U21 international. After a series of high-profile errors that ultimately led to him being dropped from the starting lineup, a move away from Leeds United this summer seems increasingly likely.

Meslier's contract, along with those of fellow goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns, have only twelve months remaining. This urgency places significant pressure on the Whites to secure a reliable shot-stopper during this summer. The club can't afford to be caught short between the posts.

Adding fuel to the fire is the persistent rumor linking Newcastle United's Nick Pope with a move to Elland Road. The Magpies are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of James Trafford for a substantial £30 million. Consequently, they'll be looking to offload Pope to alleviate the financial strain.

While initial reports indicated Pope's willingness to fight for his place at Newcastle, fresh information suggests that Leeds United are in talks with his representatives. The potential contract offer is rumored to be around £60,000 per week. Considering that Karl Darlow currently earns £30,000 a week while primarily warming the bench, this represents a significant investment for the Whites, but potentially a worthwhile one if Pope can recapture his best form.

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Scramble for Millwall star following release clause rumour

Leeds United, Sunderland, and Burnley are reportedly locked in a three-way battle to secure the signature of Millwall's coveted Player of the Season, Japhet Tanganga. The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate has become a cornerstone of the Lions' defense since his arrival, initially on loan, eighteen months ago. His consistently strong performances culminated in him being named the Millwall Supporters' Club Player of the Season, highlighting the significant impact he's made at the club.

Tanganga featured in an impressive 40 Championship matches this season, showcasing his reliability and contributing two crucial goals, including the match-winner in a 1-0 victory against Leeds. Beyond his defensive prowess, his versatility is a major draw. Comfortable operating both as a centre-back and as a wing-back, he offers valuable flexibility to any squad.

However, Millwall faces a significant hurdle in their efforts to retain the talented defender. A reported £1.2 million release clause exists within his contract, specifically applicable to Premier League clubs. This clause effectively prevents any other Championship club from entering the fray, leaving Millwall to hope that Tanganga's loyalty outweighs the allure of playing in the top flight.

For Leeds, who are aiming to rebuild after their promotion near-miss, securing Tanganga for such a low fee would represent astute business. With potentially limited funds available for squad strengthening, acquiring a proven and versatile defender at £1.2 million could mean that big money transfers can be secured elsewhere.

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Morning all

Surprised to read Tanganga has 27 PL appearances, at £1.2m it’s a no brainer, if we get relegated we have a solid affordable CB and if we stay up and he wasn’t featuring much I’m sure we could triple our money

 

That seems a very low release fee, especially as Levy probably negotiated a 20% sell on clause.

As Ristac says its a no brainer, especially at that fee, even though if 3 clubs are chasing him the cost could rise in a bit of a bidding war.

 

In which parallel universe did that happen

 

Wouldn’t need a bidding war, if the release fee is met he’s allowed to speak to the club. We could offer £5m if Burnley offer £1.2m he would still be permitted to discuss terms

 

I still think we are under considerable financial restraints so will not be paying out big money for anyone. We need to keep those who want to play for us and happy to battle for our shirt and get in gems such as Tanaka. We made the mistake last time when promoted by paying silly money to players who didn't give a damn and wouldn't fight for us and deserted us at the first chance they got.

 

I think Essex's ( Forza) comment was more to do with Elland's write up suggesting that we failed to get promoted and thus are still in the Championship, as opposed to the level of players we are being linked to due to financial restrictions

 

We're aiming to rebuild Millwall and £1.2m will go a long way for them

 

I knew that the new Pope Leo was accomplished, but have to say this one is still a bit of a left field surprise.

In terms of saving shots, I just hope he has fewer misses than masses.

 

should be good with crosses

 

You’re like a one man show this week

 

people laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian. They’re not laughing now

 

Spuds sack the Aussie....manor might not be wanted by the new mug

 

Hopefully Spurs go for Marco Silva. That might drag Fulham down the table.

 

Seems to be uproar over Ange sacking. Personally I think Levy gave him plenty of time. It was a complete fluke to win the europa league and it’s a tinpot competition anyway. Spurs have been awful. Yes, Really bad luck with injuries etc but they have a soft underbelly. Might just be me but as time went by his transition from mr nice guy to relentless whinger started to wind me up.

 

Some of us are old enough to remember Bob Monkhouse

 

Thomas Frank is the favourite

 

Thomas Frank

**Edit should have read further down

 

hope we got some deal done with Soloman as that really could change things. new manager always wants to look at his full squad. then again then theres levy who seems to run the show anyhow.

 

Concede against these mugs and straight on the transfer list