Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Wednesday, February 1.
Leeds United turned down Axel Tuanzebe on deadline day
Leeds saw four new signings arrive at Elland Road in January. Max Wober, Georginio Rutter, Weston McKennie and Diogo Monteiro all joined Jesse Marsch's squad for the second half of the season - the latter of which turned out to be the only deadline day signing.
There were strong links with Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo, but the Italian was thought to have only been lined up as a replacement for Jack Harrison should he have left. However, The Athletic have now reported that the Whites were 'offered' the chance to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe on deadline day as 'additional cover'.
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Tuanzebe, 25, was eventually loaned out to Stoke City after Leeds decided to 'remain as they were'. If there was to be a further position to strengthen before the window closed it would have been in defence, yet it appears that the club decided on this occasion that they would be fine without the Man United man for the remainder of this term.
Leeds United statement on Jesse Marsch's future gloriously broke every January rule previously set
As Jesse Marsch pulls up at Thorp Arch this morning to begin Leeds United’s latest day of training, he will, first, breathe a sigh of relief he no longer has to dodge the transfer-shaped elephant in every press conference he negotiates. Then, he can reflect on the arsenal of weapons he has at his disposal for the second half of the season as they trot out onto the pitches to get to work.
As was clear with the recent appointment of his long-time confidant Chris Armas, Marsch could not have asked for more support or backing from the Elland Road hierarchy in January. Andrea Radrizzani and 49ers Enterprises have put their money where their mouth is and given the head coach everything they can to stay in the Premier League come May.
The left side of defence was addressed, in a fashion, the club’s transfer record was broken to secure top-level competition for Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford before the unexpected, but entirely welcome, addition of a Mateusz Klich replacement worth more than £30m in the summer. To then hang onto Jack Harrison through last night’s 11pm deadline when many had accepted the squad could cope with his exit, only crushes a couple more potential excuses down the line.
Jesse Marsch's Leeds United optimism justified by January figures
Jesse Marsch's Leeds United are currently 15th in the Premier League, but the statistics from January show that the Whites are playing much better than their position in the table.
Speaking after their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on January 13, Marsch was surprisingly upbeat about the loss.
"It was the most complete performance we have had since I've been here. It is a really positive sign for me. It hurts to lose but a really positive performance," said the Leeds manager.
READ NEXT:
What must happen for Weston McKennie's Leeds United move to be made permanent
Diego Llorente issues message to Leeds United supporters after Elland Road exit
Leeds United's Llorente replacement, Harrison's new contract and a transfer window Achilles heel
Cherry on Leeds United's January cake still to come with one fly in ointment to address
