Leeds face Brighton as Farke seeks assurances
Predicted Leeds XI v Brighton: Darlow, Rodon, Bijol, Bornauw, with Ampadu a major doubt through illness. Gruev out, Buonanotte ineligible, Okafor, Gudmundsson, and Bogle also out, Struijk a doubt with hip.
Leeds could revisit a move for Igor Paixao amid reports Marseille may sell before 30 June to balance books. Paixao could add wide competition alongside Okafor, with doubts over Gnonto and James noted in the piece.
Sam Byram, out of contract in June, hints at leaving to play regularly. Final Elland Road game v Brighton could bring an ovation. Darlow likely to renew, Meslier and Cairns also out of contract.
Leeds held late talks to sign an ‘outstanding’ player eyeing the Premier League, but he now looks set to join another top-flight club.
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury and will miss Leeds, a ‘big blow’ per Fabian Hurzeler. Leeds’ Ao Tanaka makes Japan’s squad as Farke’s side aim to finish strongly.
David O’Leary says Alex Ferguson recommended him among candidates to replace him in 2002, but it went no further. Leeds now seek stable top-flight progress under Daniel Farke and the 49ers.
Daniel Farke says he will stay only if Leeds match his ambition and keep him in charge of sporting decisions, after securing survival and an FA Cup semi-final. Talks on recruitment and goals are planned.
Hull chief Jared Dublin says there is ‘will at both ends’ to keep Leeds loanee Joe Gelhardt after 15 goals and five assists. Talks will resume after Hull’s play-off final, with no option in the loan deal.
Leeds weigh summer cover for Noah Okafor after injury. Largie Ramazani, on loan at Valencia with six goals and one assist, could return as an in-house solution, with Daniel Farke to assess him in July.
Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler hails Leeds’ unbeaten run and back five before the Elland Road trip. talkSPORT split: 1-1 draw (Rory Jennings) vs 2-1 home win (Andy Goldstein). Leeds face injuries with Ampadu a doubt.
