A look at the latest Leeds United headlines on Monday, 19 December.
England youth talent 'turns down' Leeds United
Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their 'pursuit' of England U20s star Samuel Iling-Junior. According to Football Insider, Juventus are set to offer the former Chelsea youngster a new deal after catching the eye of Leeds, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Southampton.
Iling-Junior, who joined the Serie A side in September 2020, has broken into the first-team set-up under Max Allegri, scoring in their recent friendly against Arsenal. The Serie A club have reportedly agreed terms with the England youth international, who has made two appearances in the league this season, notching one assist. The former Blues youngster also received his first Champions League bow, grabbing an assist against Benfica.
Big claim over Leeds United pursuit of player Andrea Radrizzani loves
January may not be upon us just yet, but the transfer rumour mill is still turning at a rapid rate at the minute. The Italian press claim Leeds United are pushing with 'vehemence' to sign Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi in the latest transfer window link to the Whites.
According to ASRomaLive, the Whites are looking to sign the Moroccan star who was one of the standout performers at the World Cup. The African nation defied the odds to finish fourth in the tournament, knocking out the likes of Spain and Portugal on their route to the semi-finals. They were beaten 2-0 by France but were unfortunate not to find the back of the net.
The report states: “We are referring to Azzedine Ounahi, born in 2000 from Angers on whom Leeds is allegedly moving with some vehemence.”
Mateusz Klich tipped to start Manchester City clash amid 'massive blow' for Leeds United
Ex-Leeds United forward Noel Whelan says Mateusz Klich should start against Manchester City, with Tyler Adams ineligible due to suspension.
Klich, whose future at Leeds is uncertain, is still awaiting his first start in the Premier League this term, after making all 11 of his league appearances from the bench. The midfielder has been heavily involved in Leeds' training camp during the World Cup break, after being left out of Poland's squad for the tournament in Qatar.
He scored a late winner as the Whites came from behind to win 2-1 in their friendly against Elche in Spain. Jesse Marsch has largely kept faith with the midfield pairing of Marc Roca and Adams this season, but a suspension for the latter has left Marsch with a selection headache.
Leeds United handed possible boost in pursuit of long-term 'target'
Leeds United have been handed a potential boost should they wish to pursue a player linked with the club in the last 12 months, Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The 21-year-old has been banished to train with Standard Liege's second team, according to the latest reports, after failing to agree terms over a new deal.
The midfielder was first linked with a move to Elland Road almost 12 months ago, in last year's January transfer window. A move to Elland Road would not materialise, but the young Belgian has continued to impress in his native country.
The news of his demotion to the second-string will come as a potential boost if Leeds are to renew their interest in the upcoming transfer window. However they're set to face competition from a number of sides across Europe.
Marsch no closer to solving Leeds United's Tyler Adams problem as Monaco selection dilemma awaits
Leeds United's friendly with AS Monaco on Wednesday will hand Jesse Marsch his final opportunity to experiment tactically ahead of the Premier League return. The two friendlies so far have arguably provided more questions than answers for Marsch in terms of who he will replace the suspended Tyler Adams with against Manchester City.
Adam Forshaw - who missed the final two months of the season through injury before the World Cup break - has started both of Leeds' wins over Elche and Real Sociedad but has looked a little rusty at times in both matches. That is something he can ill afford to be when the Premier League champions make the trip to Elland Road.
Marsch must decide in this next friendly whether to hand Forshaw more minutes from the start to get up to speed, or give Sam Greenwood the opportunity to stake a claim. In the defeat Adams missed against Fulham in October, Greenwood was the man tasked with replacing him, but Forshaw was of course unavailable.
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