Here are your Leeds United evening headlines on Sunday, January 23.
Mills expects new Raphinha contract to include release clause
While Leeds fans are hoping to see a new face or two come through the door before the end of the transfer window, they are also desperate to see Raphinha extend his contract.
In the last week, there have been positive updates regarding ongoing talks with the Brazilian over an extended deal at the club, much to the delight of the supporters.
However, as we know in the modern game, contracts don’t necessarily mean anything other than increased bargaining power
Danny Mills expects that, if Raphinha does sign an extension, it will include a hefty release clause so that a move to a side playing in Europe cannot be blocked by Leeds.
“If he doesn’t have a release clause he needs a new agent, I would suggest,” he told Football Insider.
“That’s not being derogatory in any way, shape or form. The player has to look after himself on this occasion when he’s being courted by other clubs.
“If he signs a new deal and Leeds go down, is that in his best interest? No is the answer, simple as that.
Shearer and Lineker agree on Leeds’ striker issues
The extended absence of Patrick Bamford has really hindered Marcelo Bielsa’s side for large parts of this season.
It was clearer than ever to see in the defeat against Newcastle as the Whites created plenty of chances without being able to beat Martin Dubravka.
Discussing the game on Match of the Day, former England striker Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were in total agreement that Leeds were missing a number nine at Elland Road yesterday.
The latter said: “They gave it their customary go, particularly in the first half, but they do look like they’re missing a central striker.”
Shearer responded: “There’s no doubt about it, obviously they’re missing Bamford.
“They missed that presence in and around the six-yard box just to get that scruffy little goal. There’s no-one there in that killer position where someone should be who’s going to put the ball into the back of the net.
“They opened Newcastle up at times into very good positions but they didn’t make the most of it at all.”
Read more here.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Dan James transfer claim
The signing of Dan James from Manchester United in the summer was one that was widely questioned because of the £25m transfer fee paid by Leeds.
However, according to The Athletic, it was a decision that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t want to make as he would have rather seen Anthony Martial leave the club in the summer.
The Frenchman is now actively seeking a move away from Old Trafford but James is yet to properly find his feet in West Yorkshire.
He has scored twice and added two assists so far this season but, considering some of the chances he has had, his tally could quite easily be doubled or even tripled.
Read more here.
