Leeds United are safely in the Premier League for another season as they sit comfortably in mid-table. But while there are still a few games left in the current campaign, the preparation for next season has already begun.
The Whites have some important things to check off on their offseason to-do list, with manager Marcelo Bielsa’s future by far the main priority.
Leeds are also aiming to secure breakout star Stuart Dallas to a new deal and are intensifying their search for reinforcements on the wing.
So read on below for all the latest Leeds-related news you ought to know.
Marcelo Bielsa remains silent on Leeds contract talks
Marcelo Bielsa is still not ready to discuss his contract situation with the club. The Leeds manager appreciated chairman Andrea Radrizziani’s recent comments about hopefully coming to an agreement on a new deal, but the Argentinian would prefer to discuss his future after the season.
“Any reference to this subject, I prefer to make after the competition has finished,” said Bielsa per Sky Sports prior to their 2-0 defeat to Brighton.
“I appreciate the words of the owner with regards to my continuity, but I agree with what he said about Leeds being prestigious above any others. Due to the solidness of this organisation, they have the facility to make correct decisions.”
Bielsa will once again be out of contract this summer as he continues to sign one-year deals. He is finishing out his third season at Elland Road, which is the longest spell he has had as the manager of a club in his career.
Roma’s Fonseca linked with Leeds
With Bielsa yet to commit to a new contract with Leeds, a potential candidate to replace him as manager has suddenly emerged: Roma’s Paulo Fonseca.
Leeds have reportedly made contact with Fonseca, who is likely on his way out at Roma with former Chelsea and Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri reportedly set to take over next season.
Fonseca, who has made previous managerial stops at Porto, Braga, and Shakhtar Donetsk, has led Roma to the Europa League semi-finals this season. Although, they face an uphill battle to reach the final after losing 6-2 to Manchester United in the first leg.
Stuart Dallas set for new Leeds deal
As Leeds await a resolution to their managerial situation, they are reportedly ready to offer Stuart Dallas a new and improved contract that could double his current salary.
Dallas, 30, reportedly has two more years on his current deal, but he looks set to be rewarded for his fine play this season.
The Northern Ireland international has been arguably Leeds’ player of the year. He has started all 34 games, initially as a defender but has since transitioned into a mainstay midfielder.
He is the team’s second-leading scorer behind Patrick Bamford with seven goals and also has two assists. He scored both goals as Leeds defied the SBOTOP Premier League 2021 odds by beating champions-elect Manchester City 2-1 despite going down to 10 men.
Rangers star set for new deal amid Leeds links
Rangers look set to offer a new deal to star winger Ryan Kent in a bid to fend off continued interest from Leeds United.
The 24-year-old has been instrumental in Rangers’ title-winning campaign this season, providing nine goals and eight assists in 35 games.
Marcelo Bielsa is a known admirer of Kent going back to Kent’s Liverpool days, but Leeds had their £10m bid for the winger rejected last summer.
Kent said he is flattered by Leeds’ interest but remains focused on Rangers.
“It’s nice to be linked with other football clubs, the big clubs, but you’ve got to understand the duty of where you’re at and as long as I’m at Rangers I’ll always give 100 per cent to the club.
“I love this place and it’s done so much for me. As long as I am here my mind is solely focused on Rangers.”
Leeds eye young Rubin Kazan winger
Aside from Kent, Leeds are also reportedly keeping tabs on another winger: Rubin Kazan’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The 20-year-old Georgian has already been capped eight times for his country, scoring three goals. He has contributed four goals and four assists in 23 games for Russian club Rubin Kazan this season.
Leeds are looking to add more depth on the wing this offseason. Raphinha and Jack Harrison have been responsible for most of Leeds’ Premier League 2021 highlights, combining for 13 goals and 12 assists this season.
However, Helder Costa has been a disappointment, providing just one goal and one assist from November onwards.
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