Your latest Leeds United morning headlines for Friday, July 1.
Gelhardt contract talks underway
Leeds are in advanced talks to tie down Joe Gelhardt to a new long-term contract, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. The 20-year-old had a breakthrough season at Elland Road last year, scoring two goals and assisting a further four in 20 Premier League appearances - including that memorable winner against Norwich and the magical assist for Pascal Struijk’s equaliser against Brighton.
His performances in the under-23s side - which produced 18 goals and four assists in 26 games - proved he is ready for the step-up into regular first-team football. And despite the club actively targeting a new striker and Patrick Bamford returning to fitness, Gelhardt is expected to become increasingly prominent in the senior setup.
Leeds signed the striker for just £1million in August 2020, taking advantage of a cash-strapped Wigan being relegated to League One. His current deal runs until 2024, with the new contract set to extend that and offer a significant pay-rise.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer rumours as Nantes winger monitored and Forest eye Whites-linked right-back
Barca have fresh Raphinha offer rejected
Barcelona are hanging on in desperation to the prospect of signing Raphinha but have seen fresh approaches swatted away by Leeds. The Spanish club were thought to be out of the race, with Chelsea having a £60million offer accepted, but the sale of a proportion of their television rights has raised some funds.
The Spanish giants remain Raphinha’s preferred destination, and he is seemingly delaying and decisions with Chelsea in order to give them time, but their bid - reportedly €60million plus add-ons - did not match the Blues and was turned down.
Those in charge at Elland Road have remained firm: match Chelsea’s bid or look elsewhere. The Blues, meanwhile, will push for the 25-year-old to sign personal terms so they can secure a deal before Barcelona cough up the cash.
Shackleton at crossroads amid Championship interest
Jamie Shackleton has been an ever present in the Whites squad since his debut in 2018, and the midfielder-cum-right-back has been remarkably consistent whenever called upon. But the 22-year-old’s minutes have slowly decreased as Leeds acclimatise to the Premier League, and he has made just 17 appearances across two campaigns in the top-flight.
The arrivals of Marc Roca in midfield and Rasmus Kristensen at right-back have only pushed Shackleton further down the pecking order in either of his preferred roles, which begs the question as to what the local lad should do this summer.
Reading are reported to have shown interest in a loan deal, giving Shackleton - who turns 23 in October - a chance at regular minutes at a level he knows well. Other Championship sides will likely come calling, and the midfielder will no doubt have a decision to make.
READ NEXT
Jesse Marsch has one key pair pushing each other to rattle Leeds United's established order
Victor Orta's plan for Leeds United's Phillips-Raphinha money may define his legacy
Reading among host of Championship clubs linked with loan deal for Leeds United man
Leeds United confirm new 2022/23 kit launch date as Adidas issue apology on problems
Three factors that could persuade Leeds United’s Raphinha to pick Chelsea
