Leeds United take on Newcastle United this evening looking to get back to winning ways on home turf after a tough week on the road.
The optimism that spiked following a win at home to Everton on the opening night at Elland Road has been brought right back down since with United suffering two contrasting defeats – one a largely expected heavy defeat at Arsenal, and the other a huge EFL Cup shock against what was essentially Sheffield Wednesday’s U21 side.
Up next, Leeds return to Elland Road and face another significant test in Newcastle United, who are contending without Alexander Isak as a move to Liverpool potentially edges closer.
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Here, we round up all the latest news coming out of LS11 as we look ahead to tonight’s kick-off…
Facundo Buonanotte subject to Chelsea hijack
In typical fashion for this summer window, Leeds thought they have secured the services of Facundo Buonanotte on loan with a medical booked in for the Seagulls’ 20-year-old – per Graham Smyth.
(REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Friday afternoon, however, brought a bleak update as Chelsea closed in on a loan agreement to hijack Leeds’ move for the Argentine.
Buonanotte the latest attacking option that Leeds have pursued that has instead gone elsewhere.
Leeds United have four-man shortlist after Facundo Buonanotte blow
The question now is how Leeds respond to their latest knock-back in the attacking department, and The Athletic report of four names in the club’s crosshairs as alternatives to Buonanotte.
First is his 24/25 Leicester teammate Bilal El Khannouss, who was missing from the squad again on Friday as the Foxes beat Birmingham City, likely to command a £35million fee.
(Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs)
Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa is another, strongly linked for some time and also likely to command a likewise sum.
The other two names are Krasnodar’s Eduard Spertsyan, and former Leeds loanee Manor Solomon, who seemingly isn’t part of Thomas Frank’s plans at Spurs.
Leeds United v Newcastle United team news confirmed: Okafor doubt, Joelinton out
Daniel Farke’s confirmed team news sees Noah Okafor as the only fresh concern, as the Swiss winger noted a groin problem to the Leeds boss following his full debut in midweek.
(REUTERS/David Klein)
He is a doubt for the match while Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu remain sidelined with MCL injuries, due back after the international break.
As for the Magpies, new signing Nick Woltemade won’t be eligible to feature as he joins from Stuttgart this weekend, while Joelinton is ruled out due to injury suffered against Liverpool – Eddie Howe confirmed – as Anthony Gordon sits out in the first of a three-match ban.
Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar were also forced off on Monday, but the former is pushing to be in contention to feature while Schar is available after following concussion protocol.
Illan Meslier subject to talks with three clubs: Rangers, Valencia, and Lorient
Illan Meslier’s exit from Leeds looks likely at some point before Monday’s deadline, with reports from Santi Aouna revealing that three clubs have opened talks to sign the goalkeeper.
(Action Images/Craig Brough)
One of those is former side Lorient, who are claimed to have lodged a bid for his services, while the two other interested parties are 49ers-owned Rangers, and Largie Ramazani’s Valencia.
Meslier is in the final year of his contract at Elland Road, with Lucas Perri taking his number one spot and place in the squad.
Multiple Leeds United exits confirmed on permanent and loan basis
It’s been a busy few days in terms of exits out of Elland Road both on loan and on permanent terms, with Isaac Schmidt heading to Werder Bremen on loan with an option to buy between €3-4million.
Largie Ramazani was next, leaving to Valencia on loan but importantly without an option to buy included in his deal to link up with Carlos Corberan.
Permanent exits have seen Sam Greenwood leave for an eyebrow-raising £3.5million fee to Poland, as Patrick Bamford has bid an emotional farewell to the club with his contract mutually terminated just under a year early.