Here are the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Sunday, 27 March 2022.
Harte makes Ferdinand and Smith admission
Former Leeds United defender Ian Harte has admitted he 'never really understood' the hatred directed towards his former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith following their moves from Leeds to Manchester United.
Harte was on the books at Elland Road when Ferdinand left Leeds for their bitter rivals in 2002 and when Smith followed him there in 2004.
Speaking exclusively to Freebets, as reported by the Daily Star, Harte said: "I never really understood the hatred from some fans. Of course, you have Yorkshire and Lancashire, but Rio was only there for a season. Joined for £18million and then moved to Manchester United for £30m.
"Smithy was there from the academy so that one was harder to take. He came through with us. But in football now there's no loyalty, they went on and won lots of trophies and medals and that's the nature of it now. It's a business at the end of the day so matter who you are, if the right offer comes in the club will sell you."
Leeds reportedly set Raphinha asking price
Leeds United have reportedly insisted Barcelona must meet a $75m release clause in order to secure the services of winger Raphinha.
The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish giants and SPORT have claimed the Whites turned down an offer of $35m and referred Barcelona to a release clause.
At the current conversion rate, the release clause would be worth around £62.4m, which would give Leeds a hefty profit on the reported £17m they paid for the 25-year-old.
Read more here.
Wales challenge issued to James
Former Wales defender Sam Ricketts has insisted Leeds United winger Daniel James needs to take on Gareth Bale's mantle once the Real Madrid star retires from international football.
Although Bale's progress at club level has stalled somewhat, he has continued to shine on the international stage and is undoubtedly the Wales talisman.
Ricketts, who represented the likes of Hull City and Bolton Wanderers at club level, has claimed James needs to take over from Bale.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, he said: "Tonight was Gareth Bale, it generally is Gareth Bale. Sometimes Aaron Ramsey can pop up with a goal.
"Dan James is starting to get his chances, if he starts putting those away. He needs to take over this mantle once Gareth does stop playing. But, right now, while we have Gareth, anything is possible."
Read more here.
