Here are tonight's evening Leeds United headlines on Thursday, June 15.
Celtic 'better option' than Leeds United for Brenden Rodgers
As Leeds United's search for a new head coach continues, it looks increasingly like Brendan Rodgers will soon not be an option, with the former Leicester City boss set for a return to Celtic. Reports have suggested that Rodgers was the preferred choice of 49ers Enterprises, but alternative options are now being explored.
Speaking on talkSPORT former England international Danny Murphy said he understands Rodgers' decision to snub Leeds for a return to Parkhead.
“As a player and a manager, sometimes you might want a fresh challenge and to move on from a club, but you can only choose an option that’s on the table,” Murphy said. “You can’t make them up.
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“So if Leeds and Celtic are his only choices and if he doesn’t want to manage in the Championship – which I don’t blame him for, who knows what can happen in that league whoever you are – Celtic are probably the better option.”
Gordon McQueen passes away, aged 70
Former Leeds United defender Gordon McQueen has died, aged 70, following a battle with dementia.
McQueen signed for the Whites from St Mirren in 1972 and was immediately plugged into the great Don Revie team, helping Leeds reach the 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup final against AC Milan in his first year, before winning First Division the following season, when he formed a formidable partnership with Norman Hunter in central defence.
His impressive form continues after Revie's exit as Leeds reached the 1975 European Cup final, for which he was suspended for after he red card against Barcelona in the semi-final second leg at Camp Nou.
McQueen claimed the club's Player of the Season awards in the 1974/75 and 1977/78 seasons, during which he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Leeds United delivered immediate transfer rule boost for Hammond in new role
Rules have been relaxed on incoming transfers at Leeds United with access granted to targets away from football’s most beaten tracks. The Whites’ new recruitment chief, Nick Hammond, will now be able to pursue up to four targets who fall short of The Football Association’s visa rules.
When the United Kingdom left the European Union in January 2020 it ultimately changed the face of transfer rules in this country. The FA introduced a points-based system which meant clubs could no longer sign overseas footballers under 18 and were restricted to three foreign additions under 21.
Generally, only players coming from the most reputable leagues or nationalities could be assured of easy passage to English clubs. For example, past Leeds deals like those for Dani van den Heuvel, Pascal Struijk or Crysencio Summerville would have been difficult, if not impossible, to do.
