Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, 9 July.
Leeds 'end' de Ketelaere pursuit
Leeds United have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Club Brugge attacker Charles de Ketelaere, according to Di Marzio. The Whites were willing to break their transfer record for the 21-year-old and had a bid of around €30 million + €7 million bonuses on the table.
However, de Ketelaere has continued to make it clear that his preferred destination is Milan and as they come closer to an agreement with Brugge, Leeds have withdrawn their offer. The Whites will instead now turn their focus onto other targets; reports earlier in the window linked them with PSG's Arnaud Kalimuendo.
READ MORE: The Jack Wilshere warning Leeds United should take note of with Archie Gray
Davis situation
Discarded 12 months ago, Leif Davis has put himself in the picture for a Premier League campaign with Leeds United. An impressive spell of training at the end of last season, following his Bournemouth return, has been followed by a solid pre-season.
Davis made his first appearance in Leeds colours since that FA Cup defeat at Crawley Town in January 2021 when he came on against Blackpool on Thursday night. A strong 45 minutes was followed by questions for Junior Firpo, the club’s recognised left-back choice.
As far as the Spaniard is concerned, Davis is here to stay and a formidable competitor for his shirt at left-back. With Stuart Dallas injured, Firpo has few natural full-backs to threaten him, but that’s not how he sees it.
“I don’t feel pressure, I don’t have pressure,” he said. “I just want to play every single game, we just want to win every single game, or try to. Of course, there is another left-back, it’s Leif. He’s playing, he will be in the team, I think and he will make me work hard. Last season I didn’t have any left-backs, now this season I have Leif to compete with for the position. It’s okay, always the competition is always good.”
Phillips messages
Kalvin Phillips ended his 12-year love affair with Leeds United by joining Premier League champions Manchester City on Monday.
The Leeds-born midfielder arrived at the club's academy in 2010 and went onto play 234 times for the Whites, scoring 14 goals. He played an integral role in Marcelo Bielsa's Championship title-winning side of 2019-20 and established himself as an England regular during his two seasons in the Premier League at Elland Road.
Phillips was named England men's player of the year in 2021 and helped guide the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final at Wembley last year. As he prepares for a new chapter away from Elland Road, here are your farewell messages to the 'Yorkshire Pirlo'.
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