A round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines on Monday, 20 June.
Marcelo Bielsa details 'dream' job as he breaks silence for first time since Leeds United exit
Marcelo Bielsa has spoken out about his desire to make a return to the dugout at Athletic Bilbao. Bielsa has been without a club since leaving Leeds United in February and he has spoken for the first time since his Elland Road departure to address his plans to step into management once more.
The Argentine is still loved by many at Leeds after securing the club’s long-awaited return to the Premier League and despite only spending two seasons there, he is a favourite in Bilbao, too. The 66-year-old coached Los Leones between 2011 and 2013 and managed to secure appearances in the Europa League and Copa Del Rey finals.
And, it seems he could be set to return to the Spanish outfit, should Iñaki Arechabaleta win the club’s upcoming presidential elections. Arechabaleta has promised supporters that he will take Bielsa back to Bilbao should he be elected to replace Aitor Elizegi and that could bolster his support ahead of Friday's vote.
Brazilian media claim Leeds United winger Raphinha is ‘very close’ to signing for Arsenal
Raphinha is reportedly ‘very close’ to joining fellow Premier League side Arsenal this summer, according to media reports in Brazil. The Leeds United winger has been the subject of widespread interest across Europe, with a move to Barcelona looking the most likely over the last few weeks.
The Spanish giants, however, have failed to match Leeds’ financial demands and Raphinha is growing tired of waiting for them to secure a deal. The winger’s agent - former Barca midfielder Deco - is thought to have been blocking approaches from other clubs in a bid to take his player to Spain, but the two club’s valuations of the player have been some way off and show no signs of coming together.
And now Arsenal have acted swiftly, according to Goal’s Brazilian branch , and if all goes to plan the 26-year-old hopes to sign at the Emirates 'this week'.
Arsenal look to steal march on Barcelona and Spurs as Raphinha Leeds United saga rumbles on
Arsenal have reportedly taken on pole position in the race for Raphinha as the Gunners look to pip Barcelona, Tottenham and Chelsea to the Whites winger. Mikel Arteta’s side have been eyeing the Brazilian for some time and, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano , they have entered ‘direct negotiations’ with Leeds ahead of their rivals.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a deal in recent weeks but have gone unusually quiet. Their valuation of the 25-year-old is thought to be some way below Leeds’ and, with no obligation to sell their talisman, the Whites have no reason to lower their asking price - believed to be around £55-65million.
Raphinha and Barcelona have had personal terms agreed for months and it has been reported that the player’s agent - former Barca midfielder Deco - has blocked other moves as they await the Catalan giants official approach, but the Leeds winger is growing impatient as Xavi’s side stall in their efforts and try to find the cash.
Leeds United stars past and present in attendance as Whites skipper Liam Cooper gets married
Several members of Leeds United past and present were in attendance at captain Liam Cooper’s wedding over the weekend. Cooper and his partner Abbie Kirk tied the knot in Ibiza as several of the Scotland international’s current and former Leeds teammates celebrated alongside him on his special day.
People who attended the wedding have been sharing a series of photographs across Instagram, including the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Adam Forshaw and Pablo Hernandez. Former Whites defender Scott Wootton, who is now playing his football at Australian side Wellington Phoenix, was also one of the many guests there in a blast from the past.
He was at Elland Road during Cooper’s first two seasons at the club before moving on in 2016 to MK Dons. Other attendees are believed to include Luke Ayling, Patrick Bamford and Stuart Dallas, and it is a real indicator of the bond that has developed within the squad over the last four or so years.
Ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could return to England for pre-season with Athletic Bilbao
Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could be back in England with Athletic Bilbao next month as the Spanish outfit takes on Newcastle United in pre-season. The Argentine could return to the La Liga side if Iñaki Arechabaleta win the club’s upcoming presidential elections.
Arechabaleta has promised supporters that he'll bring Bielsa back to Bilbao should he be elected to replace Aitor Elizegi and that could bolster his support ahead of Friday's vote. The Basque-based club finished eight in La Liga and were beaten by Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final after previously lifting the trophy last year.
They're penned in to play the Magpies at St. James' Park on Saturday, July 30th with kick-off to be confirmed. A handful of Leeds United supporters have already suggested they'd travel to Spain to watch Bilbao if Bielsa is appointed as manager.
