Here are your latest Leeds United headlines for Friday, May 5.
James claim
Fulham could step up their interest in a permanent deal for Dan James as a result of Andreas Pereira's injury setback. That is according to Football Insider, and the report outlines Leeds will be 'happy' to sell should they suffer relegation.
James has only made six starts for the Cottagers this season, making a further 20 appearances from the bench. The Wales international recently impressed and scored in an unfamiliar central striking role in an away victory at Everton.
The title claim Fulham's interest in a permanent transfer will be 'enhanced' if Pereira is ruled out for an 'extended period', after the former Manchester United prospect was brought off on a stretcher during the home defeat to Manchester City. Marco Silva might need to bring in further wide additions too, with the contracts of both Neeskens Kebano and Willian set to expire this summer.
Neville prediction
Gary Neville has claimed that although it would be the "shock of all shocks" should Leeds United beat Manchester City, he believes that Sam Allardyce is capable of producing a "miracle" on Saturday afternoon.
Allardyce takes charge of the first of four games as Leeds interim head coach this weekend with a trip to the reigning champions. The clubs could not be further apart in terms of form and league position.
The Whites conceded 23 goals in April, while Man City have netted 20 times in their last six league matches - averaging more than three goals a game in that time period. Allardyce knows that if he has any hope of keeping Leeds in the Premier League, the goals against column needs to instantly improve.
And although the game against Man City this weekend may have been written off by many, Neville believes that despite the odds being stacked against Leeds, their new coach may just be capable of producing what would be one of the biggest upsets in Premier League history.
You can read the full story here.
Allardyce agenda
Sam Allardyce’s takes on his first pre-match press conference as Leeds United head coach this morning. The new head coach has had a couple of days with his Whites squad and he’ll feel ready to take questions from television, radio, print and online journalists at Thorp Arch about his squad and this Saturday’s clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Here is a run-down of some of the main topics on the agenda for the boss to address at the training ground today.
Injuries
Allardyce revealed in his press conference on Wednesday that players had been forced to sit out of his first training session at Thorp Arch and he will be asked to elaborate on those injuries ahead of Saturday’s fixture. He’ll be quizzed on who those missing in midweek were and whether they were in doubt to take on Manchester City at the Etihad.
It seems likely that one of those names was Liam Cooper, who limped out of the clash with Bournemouth on Sunday with what looked to be a hip injury. The skipper has been in and out of the fold through injury this season and after being forced off the field in such a manner there will be big question marks about his involvement this time around.
There could also be questions about the progress of Tyler Adams and Stuart Dallas, following Javi Gracia’s reluctance to speak about such issues. Dallas was with the squad on Sunday but fans are in the dark about how far he is from selection, while Adams hasn’t featured since before the March international break.
You can read the full story here.
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