A round-up of the latest Leeds United news on Monday, 2 January.
Chris Wood told he still has big part to play despite Leeds 'interest'
Chris Wood has been told he has a big part to play for Newcastle United, despite reported interest from Leeds United. Former Whites shot stopper Paul Robinson believes it would be a big coup for his former club if they can lure the striker back to Elland Road.
Robinson told Football Insider: “Wood has only been there for a short space of time. It would be a big coup if Leeds could prize him away but I would be surprised if Newcastle let him go. We all know Callum Wilson struggles with his fitness.
“Wood has shown in the past two games that he can more than compete at this level. January will be a difficult window for Newcastle. I think they will get priced out of the market for a lot of players. Given their league position, I think club’s will ask them to overpay for players.
“Wood still has a big part to play until now and the end of the season. There will be game time for him. He has a lifespan at Newcastle but I do not see him leaving this season.”
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch highlights key difference between Newcastle United draw and Man City defeat
Jesse Marsch says Leeds United's quality in possession in their goalless draw against Newcastle United was the key difference from their defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
Leeds were inferior in terms of possession against the Magpies, just as they were by a considerable margin against reigning champions Man City.
Nevertheless, Marsch believes that their ability to impose themselves on the game when in possession provided them with a platform to build against Newcastle.
"First half, I thought it was good. It's not so easy to come here and just command the game. But I thought that with the ball we still managed certain moments. It required poise and quality as well," Marsch said.
Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo had 'a lot of doubts' over joining Leeds United
Cody Gakpo says he had 'a lot of doubts' over joining Leeds United in the summer, and expected to join Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
The Red Devils were once again heavily linked with Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window, but Liverpool came in with a shock bid to prise the Dutchman away from PSV Eindhoven.
Gakpo was linked with Leeds in the summer, with sporting director Victor Orta even boarding a plane for negotiations in Eindhoven. However, Orta returned empty-handed and Gakpo has explained his decision not to agree to a move to Elland Road.
“It was difficult this summer. It was a very intense period," Gakpo recalled via the Mirror. “I tried to find my peace, but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Manchester United, but in the end it didn't work out."
David Moyes faces make or break period ahead of Leeds United clash as pressure builds
Several months ago, West Ham United were competing in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. Fast forward to the start of 2023 and the Hammers are facing the daunting prospect of a relegation dogfight.
West Ham - Leeds' next opponents in the Premier League - have lost five straight games for the first time since April 2017 under Slaven Bilic, and sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Moyes' second spell at the London Stadium had been a resounding success prior to the current campaign, but their plight under the Scotsman has been rapid.
Only Wolves (10) and Nottingham Forest (11) have scored fewer goals in the Premier League than West Ham's woeful tally of 13. No club has lost more games than the Hammers, with their record of 11 defeats only being matched by bottom place Southampton.
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