Here are this evening's latest Leeds United deadlines on Tuesday, March 29.
Southgate namechecks Bamford as Kane alternative
Patrick Bamford's excellent 2020/21 season put him on the cusp of the England squad for the delayed Euro 2020. Leeds United's number nine ultimately missed out on the squad but his 17 Premier League goals meant he couldn't be ignored and Bamford was given his first call-up in September 2021.
However, Bamford has suffered terribly with injuries this season and has been unable to kick on in terms of making himself a fixture of Gareth Southgate's squad. The England manager has given him some encouragement on his chances of forcing himself into the picture for the World Cup squad in December though, as he namechecked the Leeds man when discussing his options to play up-front other than Harry Kane.
"We have got Ollie [Watkins] with us this time," he said in his press conference. "Also we need to find out a bit more about our centre forwards and what those options might look like beyond Harry Kane."
Read more: Gjanni Aliosk's best Leeds United moments as his World Cup day of destiny arrives
"At the moment I’d have to say that’s wide open. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had an excellent couple of games for us in October 2020, but hasn’t established himself this season. Patrick Bamford has had a season full of injury. Tammy [Abraham] has had a very good season for goalscoring and it’s disappointing not to have him with us to see."
With none of the other options able to grasp the opportunity to be the first alternative to Kane, Bamford will be aware that if he can get himself fully fit for next season, a strong first few months of the season could swing things in his direction in terms of a World Cup call up.
Early Southampton team news
The Whites return from the international break to face Ralf Hassenhuttl's Southampton on Saturday 2 April. The Saints were victorious over Leeds at Saint Mary's Stadium earlier this season but they are on a poor run of form and Leeds will be aiming to win three consecutive games for the first time all season.
Leeds will have some major returnees, with the prospect of Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper returning to the team for the first time since December. Meanwhile, their opponents have almost a full-strength squad, unless Hassenhuttl reveals any new injuries in the pre-match press conference.
As it stands, goalkeeper Alex McCarthy - who once had a short loan spell at Elland Road - and defender Lyanco are set to be the only absentees for the Saints.
Ross Barkley decision assessed
A player Leeds have been linked with over the last two transfer windows was Chelsea's Ross Barkley. The former England international was mentioned as somebody who could potentially provide a solution for Leeds' lack in central midfield areas this season.
However, Victor Orta was not tempted to bring Barkley to Elland Road. Since then, he has struggled for game-time at Stamford Bridge, despite Thomas Tuchel stating that he wold have opportunities to play. The fact that the ex-Everton man hasn't grasped those opportunities make Leeds' decision not to seize the opportunity to sign Barkley look like the correct one.
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