Leeds United are just two weeks away from their opening Premier League match against Everton.
Between now and then, Daniel Farke’s side have one final pre-season friendly to play - a clash with AC Milan in Dublin. That match will be the Leeds boss’s last chance to test his squad before the Premier League kicks off.
The club are also expected to make a few final moves in the transfer market. It’s been a busy summer window as Farke looks to strengthen his side ahead of what looks to be a challenging season.
In each of the last two campaigns, all three promoted clubs have suffered immediate relegation. The German manager will be hoping to avoid falling into that same pattern.
A host of players have been linked with a move to Elland Road, and with that in mind, LeedsLive rounds up the top headlines surrounding the club.
Man City ready for 'huge hit' on Phillips
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to take a “huge hit” this summer by allowing Kalvin Phillips to return to his former club, the Whites.
The Premier League champions signed Phillips for £42 million three years ago. Since then, the former England international has made just 31 appearances for the club, and has spent a season and a half out on loan. It’s safe to say things haven’t gone to plan under Pep Guardiola.
Journalist Pete O'Rourke told Football Insider: "They will be taking a huge hit, Man City, and I think they’ll be prepared to take that as well. He will still have an eye on that England squad for next summer’s World Cup as well, so to have any chance of breaking into Thomas Tuchel’s plans, he needs to be back playing.
“Leeds will be a no-brainer, because he’ll be welcomed back with open arms by the fans and it’s a club he loves as well. If Leeds do change their transfer policy and look at bringing Kalvin Phillips back, let’s see, but the main thing for Phillips right now is to get fit and find a club where he can start playing again.”
Artem Dovbyk's price drops
Artem Dovbyk
Artem Dovbyk has been linked with a move to Leeds United (Image: Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Leeds’ search for a new striker has led reportedly them to Roma’s Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian international scored 17 goals last season for the Italian side. In the year prior, he netted 24 times in 39 appearances for Girona.
It’s no surprise that Dovbyk is viewed as a potential first-choice striker at Elland Road. However, Roma’s original £35 million asking price had proven to be a stumbling block - until now.
According to Il Messaggero, Roma would now be willing to accept an offer closer to £22 million. With Evan Ferguson’s recent arrival in the Italian capital, Dovbyk’s role at the club appears uncertain, potentially opening the door for a Whites move.