Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Tuesday, April 19.
Leeds youngster set for Wigan U23s bow ahead of summer move
Like in the last couple of transfer windows, there is likely to be plenty of transfer activity involving the development squads at Thorp Arch. There will be a strong emphasis on the incomings but some of the youngsters will have to be moved on to make room for the new recruits.
According to transfer guru Alan Nixon, writing in his Patreon channel, Owen Bray will leave the club for Wigan when his contract expires in the summer. Ahead of that eventuality, he is expected to turn out for the Latics' U23 side this evening when they face Hull City.
Read more: Joe Gelhardt's Leeds United message to wonderkids weighing up Elland Road transfer
Leeds relegation odds drift after Burnley draw
While they had a break from watching their team play over the Bank Holiday weekend, Leeds supporters still had to go through a relatively stressful Sunday afternoon. When Burnley took a first-half lead against West Ham at the London Stadium, it looked as though the Whites’ gap to the relegation zone would be cut to just six points.
However, the Hammers were able to get back on level terms and – had it not been for some heroics from Nick Pope – would have won the game. It leaves the managerless Clarets three points adrift of safety with bookmakers increasingly convinced they will be unable to beat the drop.
Leeds went into the weekend priced at 10/1 to be relegated on the back of the sacking of Sean Dyche and are now 11/1.
Leeds’ Barcelona relationship key to summer transfers?
With Victor Orta having a big say in the club’s recruitment, Leeds haven’t been shy to use the Spanish market for new players. Junior Firpo is the latest example to have made the switch to Elland Road from La Liga.
His former teammate - and USMNT international - Sergino Dest is another Barcelona player being linked with a move to West Yorkshire. Xavi’s side might be unwilling to sell the right-back to Leeds considering the ongoing saga regarding Raphinha although transfer expert Pete O’Rourke expects the relationship between the clubs to aid negotiations.
He told GiveMeSport : “Leeds do seem to have a decent relationship with Barcelona, having signed Junior Firpo in the summer. You can’t rule this one out, especially with the American links.”
