The latest Leeds United morning headlines on Friday, June 17.
Pundit encourages Spurs to go for Raphinha
In recent days, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have emerged as alternative destinations to Barcelona for Leeds United's Raphinha. The Spanish club are said to be the Brazilian's choice of next destination but a bid has not yet arrived, as the Barcelona navigate financial issues which may make any move for the winger impossible.
Ex-Spurs player-turned-pundit, Darren Bent has encouraged his former team to go for Raphinha, suggesting it would be a 'wow' signing for the North London side. He told Talksport:
"He was brilliant last season for Leeds. But again Arsenal, if they have any ambition, they have to somehow get this one over the line ahead of Spurs.
Read more: Manchester City's World Cup downfall that will boost Leeds' Boxing Day chances
"If Spurs jump in and get him as well, then wow! They are building. But they are buying players that are ready to go right now. If Spurs go and sign Raphinha, then they have Kulusevski there and Son. So, it’s about making the squad thicker."
Bournemouth fans group raise concerns about Leeds fixture
The Premier League fixtures were released yesterday, seeing the Whites given an opening day fixture against Wolves. However, one Leeds fixture has caused concern in Bournemouth, as they are set to travel to the south coast on May Bank Holiday weekend.
That's because 32 years ago, Leeds fans ran amok in the city after the Whites secured promotion back to the First Division with a victory over the Cherries, causing great damage and for the city of Leeds to issue a public apology. Fixtures between the two have often been played in mid-week as a response to that incident and a Bournemouth fan group has directly raised their concerns with the police. They wrote:
"We will be making as much noise as we can till this gets changed. This fixture cannot go ahead on this or any other Bank Holiday weekend."
Orta has Leeds players with blunt transfer questions for him to answer this summer
Leeds are focused on incomings this summer, as Victor Orta works to give Jesse Marsch greater strength in depth to work with next season, after the Whites came so close to relegation from the Premier League. However, as Beren Cross has written, the futures of several fringe players and youngsters will be up in the air as more incomings could further limit their playing time.
One of those players who may consider where they want to play next summer is young centre back, Charlie Cresswell. Assessing his situation, Cross said: "Cresswell turns 20 in August and with Premier League 2 football unable to do much more for his development there is a strong case for taking that next leap. The question the defender will have for Orta is where he takes that step.
"With Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all centre-backs Marsch may legitimately pick ahead of Cresswell, a loan move looks plausible. A new contract was signed as recently as last August, but another deal could well be signed as a gesture of good faith if it is to be a season away from Elland Road."
Read Beren's piece in full here.
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