Your Leeds United evening headlines for Saturday, July 9.
Raphinha asks to miss Australia
Raphinha has asked to stay in the UK instead of flying out to Australia for Leeds’ pre-season tour, according to the Daily Mail, as the Brazilian looks to accelerate his move away from the club this summer.
The 25-year-old was always going to be absent for Thursday’s friendly against Blackpool, having only returned for testing this week, but Whites boss Jesse Marsch admitted he was unsure whether the winger would travel to Australia after the 4-0 win.
And now reports suggest the ex-Rennes man has asked not to travel across the globe with the Whites, who fly out for a fortnight of friendlies and training camps this weekend. Barcelona and Chelsea are both keen on the winger, whose dream move to the Camp Nou rests on Barca’s ability to meet Leeds’ £60million demands.
Roberts on QPR move
Tyler Roberts has opened up on his decision to move away from Elland Road and join Queens Park Rangers on loan. The 23-year-old will spend next season at Loftus Road with an option to sign permanently for £4.5million next summer.
Leeds are actively looking for an additional striker, with the signing of Brenden Aaronson also filling a hole in which Roberts could operate and pushing the Welshman further down the pecking order - and he admitted a move to QPR give him a chance at some much-needed regular minutes.
“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as I can and this is a great club to come and do that at." Roberts told QPR's website. "I can feel the buzz around the place ahead of the new season with the new gaffer [Michael Beale]. He feels that now is the time for me to really push on in my career – and so do I."
Roberts will be hoping that regular football can earn him a call up to the Welsh squad for their 2022 World Cup trip to Qatar, where they will face England in the group stages.
Read the full story, here.
Gray warned amid Wilshere decision
Many eyes were zoned in on the midfield two during Thursday’s 4-0 win against Blackpool, with new signing Marc Roca alongside 16-year-old Archie Gray. Both impressed, but it was the teenager who garnered incredible excitement for the ease with which he competed with senior professionals - and Marsch wore his excitement on his sleeve.
"I think he'll play. How much or how often [we don't know yet], we’re going to have a strong group. I think we’re going to need our full roster.” Marsch said after the game on Thursday. “I’m not the type of person to say we need to take him along carefully. If he shows he’s ready for big challenges like he did tonight, we’ll give him those big challenges."
But he and Gray were sent a start warning the following day when Jack Wilshere announced his retirement at the age of just 30. The midfielder played 49 times in one season for Arsenal when still a teenager and was heavily relied upon throughout his development. And many argue that such regular football so early contributed to the litany of injuries and subsequent early and tragic retirement.
Leeds certainly have a star in the making but must proceed with caution.
Read the full story, here.
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