A look at the latest Leeds United headlines on Friday, 30 December.
Leeds United told Raphinha would turn down Elland Road return
Former Premier League defender Alan Hutton believes Raphinha would rule out a return to Elland Road as transfer speculation surrounding his future begins to mount. The Brazilian international secured his dream move to Barcelona in the summer, but has struggled to adapt to life in Spain.
Leeds thought they'd agreed a deal with Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer, but the Brazilian winger had his heart set on a move to the Nou Camp, and reports about a return to the top flight of English football are beginning to circle. Hutton told Football Insider: “I can’t see it.
“There is no doubt there will be other admirers out there that will want his signature. He gives you that spark, that something different. He can make something happen out of nothing.
“Would he return to Leeds? I am not so sure to be quite honest. If there was a Champions League level team that were looking at that sort of player then of course he would come back.
“He wants to be competing at the highest level so why would he not be in the Premier League.“
Jesse Marsch praised for Rodrigo's Leeds United resurgence after tactical switch
Eni Aluko has praised Jesse Marsch for the tactical switch that has allowed Rodrigo to flourish at Leeds United this season. The Spaniard has nine goals and one assist in the Premier League this season for the Whites, his best return since making the move to Elland Road from Valencia in 2020.
Rodrigo has played in a variety of positions for Leeds since that move two years ago, but Aluko believes he's finally playing in the best position, operating from the flank. The Spanish forward has had his fair share of injury problems in the Whites' shirt, including this season.
It's perhaps no coincidence that Leeds' downturn in form this season, started and coincided with an injury Rodrigo picked up in the draw with Everton. It took the 31-year-old four games to find the back of the net again, scoring five in his last five games.
Wolves reportedly jump ahead in race for Coventry City star
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly leading a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres. That is according to Football League World, who claim that Wolves have moved ahead of Leeds United, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Southampton with an offer in the pipeline.
Leeds are in the market for a new striker when the window opens in a couple of days and have already been beaten to the signing of Matheus Cunha by Wolves. Gyokeres is currently the joint highest scorer in the Championship this season with 12 goals in 23 appearances so far.
You can read more transfer rumours here.
Jesse Marsch sends clear message to Leeds United players amid relegation fears
Jesse Marsch believes Leeds United have enough quality to avoid being drawn in a Premier League relegation battle. The Whites made an impressive start to the season with a 3-0 win over Chelsea the pick of the results.
However, a mid-season blip prior to the World Cup saw Leeds plummet down the table. Wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool relieved some of the pressure on Marsch and his side.
However, with defeat to Manchester City and a trip to Newcastle United on the horizon, there's very little let up for the Whites. January presents Marsch and his side an opportunity to get some points on the board, while also giving the hierarchy an opportunity to invest in the playing squad.
Tales from the Bay - Relentless 49ers roll on as Nick Bosa closes in on end-of-season honours
The San Francisco 49ers have won eight successive games. The last time they achieved that feat, back in 2019, they went all the way to Super Bowl LIV. That campaign concluded in heartbreaking fashion but there’s increasing evidence to suggest this may well end up being a fairytale year for the Niners.
Last Saturday’s clash with the Washington Commanders did provide a sterner test than the Niners have been used to in recent weeks, with San Francisco going into half-time tied at 7-7 following an opening two quarters in which their overall dominance was undermined by sloppy mistakes and the ability of Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke to make things happen on third down.
But in the second half the 49ers ensured there was never any chance their Christmas would be marred by a defeat, as both offense and defense took command and helped San Francisco to an ultimately comfortable 37-20 victory that improved their record to 11-4, keeping alive the hope of the third-seeded Niners overhauling the second-seeded Minnesota Vikings (12-3) or — less likely — top seeds the Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) to secure at least one more home game in the NFC playoffs.
Leeds United injury list in full as wide duo set to come into contention to start at Newcastle
Leeds United face a short turn around for their next Premier League match as they travel to another of the division's top three in Newcastle United. The Whites will have 48 hours less of recovery and preparation time than their opponents after they were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City on Wednesday.
Jesse Marsch may be tempted into making changes for their visit to St. James' Park, particularly with Tyler Adams available after suspension and both Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison in contention to start. So, with that in mind, here is a look at how Leeds' treatment room is looking ahead of the game on New Year's Eve.
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