Here are your Leeds United evening headlines on Thursday, October 13.
Leeds United move away from Cody Gakpo, look at 'similar new top target'
After the news that Cody Gakpo, one of Leeds United's top targets of the summer transfer window, will look elsewhere in January after raising his expectations, it will come as good news to fans that the Whites might have found his replacement.
Red Bull Salzburg winger and Swiss international Noah Okafor is reportedly their new top target after his electric start to the season, finding 10 goal involvements in 14 appearances in all competitions so far.
Salzburg insider Don Mitchell took to social media on Tuesday evening to give the key update for Leeds fans after the news about Gakpo broke, claiming that their profiles are 'similar'.
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Taking to Twitter, Mitchell said: "All eyes today on Noah Okafor. It's very likely that he's moving to UK in the winter.
"Closely followed by Leeds and I was told he's their top-target. Very similar profile as Gakpo. #LUFC
"I'd take a bet that if he moves soon, he'll go to Leeds."
Chelsea close in on dual appointments following interest in Leeds United's Victor Orta
Victor Orta looks almost certain to remain at Leeds United as Chelsea close in on the appointment of Joe Shields as their Director of Recruitment. Chelsea have been in the market for a number of backroom appointments in order to provide new manager Graham Potter with a supporting structure.
The Blues moved first to secure the arrival of a new Technical Director, with Christopher Vivell set to join the club after he was sacked from the same position at Red Bull Leipzig last week. Next on the list is the aforementioned new Director of Recruitment, which according to Fabrizio Romano, is likely to be Southampton’s Shields.
Shields only made the move to Southampton in July but Chelsea are keen to secure his arrival as he is now thought to be their number one target. Chelsea have made a direct approach to Shields but are yet to agree a deal with Southampton, which could still take some time.
Leeds United set to miss out on quick Raphinha clause amid Barcelona's Champions League struggle
Leeds United look set to miss out on a reported €12 million clause inserted into the deal to take Raphinha to Barcelona in the summer. The Whites are set to land the large windfall if Barcelona win the Champions League but that is now looking very unlikely this season.
The Spanish side’s hopes of remaining in the competition hang by the thinnest of threads after a 3-3 draw with Inter Milan at the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening. That means Barcelona remain three points behind Inter with just two matches remaining but would need a major turn of results in order to qualify.
Unlike in the Premier League, the Champions League uses head-to-head points rather than goal difference, putting Inter very much in pole position. The Italian side host Group C’s whipping boys Viktoria Plzen at the San Siro in their next match, and know that a win will guarantee their qualification to the knockout stages.
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