Leeds fitness updates and contract call as Darlow wins award
Leeds are again linked with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, but doubts remain over his fit compared with Karl Darlow given distribution concerns. Lucas Perri lost his starting spot, so goalkeeper plans are under review.
Leeds are pushing to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda on a potential loan-to-buy, and are prepared to offer top wages. Juventus are open to moving him on after a £35m obligation to buy last summer. The club want support and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Gudmundsson and Gruev are out with hamstring injuries. Okafor has suffered a calf strain and will likely miss the next two matches, with hope he returns for the final game. Struijk has a hip contusion, is training individually, and is hoped to be available for Monday.
Leeds target Dynamo Dresden midfielder Kofi Amoako. The 21-year-old, unhappy with a super-sub role, is tempted by a move, with a low seven-figure bid expected amid interest from Köln, HSV, Union Berlin and Mainz.
Karl Darlow has won the Premier League Save of the Month for April after denying Ladislav Krejci. With Darlow, Alex Cairns and Illan Meslier out of contract in the coming months, Daniel Farke says futures will be discussed once the season is finished.
Recalling Leeds’ 2019 Spygate £200,000 fine as Middlesbrough allege Southampton filmed training before the play-offs. The EFL could consider a fine, points deduction or a transfer embargo if the Saints are found guilty.
Leeds are prepared to sell a player this summer, with a Wolves player open to joining as a replacement.
Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright hail Leeds as the Premier League’s most improved, citing Daniel Farke’s turnaround since a half-time shift at Manchester City and form akin to the seventh-best over the last 22 games.
A report claims Leeds will not block Sebastiaan Bornauw’s exit after limited minutes. With three centre-backs used, depth is thin, so targets such as Danilho Doekhi and Ladislav Krejci are mentioned.
Leeds have trialled Aston Villa U18 pair Cole Ramsay and Junior Wilson. Ramsay, brother of £43m Jacob, is an attacking midfielder, and Wilson is a defender. Both featured as Leeds U18s lost 7-4 to Burnley.
Leeds have made a formal offer to Sporting CP’s Hidemasa Morita. The 30-year-old free agent is keen on a deal running until 2028 with an option of an extra year, but will commit only once Premier League status is mathematically confirmed.
