Here are the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Friday, 17 June 2022.
Roca tells fans what to expect
New Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca has told supporters that he 'will give everything' on the pitch following his move from Bayern Munich. Roca's arrival at Elland Road was confirmed earlier this evening as he penned a four-year-deal for a fee in the region of £10 million.
The 25-year-old becomes Leeds' third signing of the summer already following the additions of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg. Roca spoke to leedsunited.com following confirmation of his move and detailed exactly what supporters should expect from him.
He said: “It’s a new experience and a new challenge for me. Leeds United gave me the chance and the opportunity. I will give everything and give my best.
READ MORE: Marc Roca has already met his first Leeds United teammate as new signing receives warm welcome
“He [Jesse Marsch] encouraged me to come here, and I can’t wait to start working with him. I think we can do good things! My favourite position is a midfielder, I like to play with the ball and to be strong in defence, always helping the team.
“The fans can expect me to give my everything. I am a player who loves playing with the ball, but I am hard as well in defensive duels. I am looking forward to playing here to feel the sensation and to start the season, because I think it will be very good.”
Birmingham eye Bielsa?
Birmingham City are reportedly looking to appoint former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa as their new boss if their proposed takeover goes through. Despite Laurence Bassini claiming he has already exchanged contracts with the current Blues owners, reports in Argentina claim 38-year-old former footballer Maxi Lopez is close to purchasing the club.
According to Argentinian reporter Hernan Feler, via Birmingham Live, Lopez’s first choice to replace current boss Lee Bowyer is Bielsa, who was sacked by Leeds in February. Bielsa has also been linked with a return to Athletic Bilbao in recent days and so a move to Birmingham may be slightly ambitious for Lopez, however it is one to keep an eye on.
Lavia profile
Manchester City's pursuit of Kalvin Phillips appears to be one of the most high profile transfer stories this summer. It is said that the Champions see the Leeds United star as the ideal replacement for the departing Fernandinho and are prepared to pay £60million to secure his signature, as the Whites would want to secure as big a fee as possible for their hometown hero.
However, according to reports in the Athletic and the Daily Telegraph, Leeds have an interest in one of City's top prospects, Romeo Lavia. It is said that the Whites are battling Southampton for the youngster but it could be the case that the player could be included as part of the deal to bring Phillips to the Etihad.
Although Lavia was included in first-team squads for City last season and made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup, many Leeds fans won't know about the youngster. Leeds Live has the breakdown below.
Click here to check it out.
Why Roca could shine
Leeds United are closing in on their third summer signing as Marc Roca looks set to arrive from Bayern Munich. The Whites have already bagged Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg after identifying the pair as two that look capable of playing a key role under Jesse Marsch’s next season and it seems as though they have another in Roca.
A defensive midfielder by trade, the Spaniard certainly fills a gaping hole within Leeds’ squad after finding themselves short of options in the middle of the park at times last year. They were forced to use a handful of different midfield combinations due a series of injuries, but the hope is Roca will be able to offer some consistency in the role moving forward.
