Leeds United transfer news: Leeds consider alternative deal for English winger, Liverpool rival Whites for £40m EPL player
By Jason Jones
Published 14th Aug 2021, 07:02 BST
Updated 14th Aug 2021, 12:04 BST
The wait is over, and Leeds United are finally set to return to action on Saturday afternoon.
The Whites will kick off their Premier League campaign against bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, and will be eager to pick up where they left off last term.
Their opponents will also be hoping to improve on their top flight campaign in 2020/21, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his optimism about their chances.
Asked what he was expected from Bielsa's side in front of a packed out stadium and as quoted by manutd.com, Solskjaer said: “The important thing is what I expect from my team.
"The opposition you can prepare for but for us it’s about ourselves.
"We’ve had a good pre-season; the last couple of weeks have been really good with everyone back in. Even though we’re still missing a few players through injury and through Covid, we’re still feeling confident ahead of the game.”
Pressed on what it would take for his team to reach the next level this season having finished runners-up in both the Premier League and Europa League last term, Solskjaer said: "The team looks hungry and we’ve done good business so I feel confident.
"Then again, the first couple of games are unknown.
"As you say, it’s a rivalry between the sides and it’s a one-off game when you play against Marcelo’s team anyway; he’s got a unique style, and I can’t wait to keep going.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below…
1. Gunners consider Woodman swoop
Arsenal are eyeing up a summer swoop for Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. (The Chronicle) (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Steele
Ligue 1 side Angers insist Crystal Palace and Newcastle United target Angelo Fulgini won’t leave for less than £13 million this summer. (Ouest France) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON
Swansea City boss Russell Martin says that he ‘wants’ Matt Grimes to stay this summer. The midfielder has been linked with Brighton, Fulham and Watford. (BBC Sport) (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Steele
4. Sheffield United's English defender George Baldock reacts following the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Burnley at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on May 23, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Tim Goode / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by TIM GOODE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Burnley have set their sights on Sheffield United full-back George Baldock after Celtic failed with a loan bid for the defender. (Daily Mail) (Photo by TIM GOODE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: TIM GOODE
Lewis O’Brien has told current club Huddersfield Town he wants to quit and join Leeds United. The Whites have bid for the midfielder and held talks with the Terriers but have failed to secure an agreement. (Football Insider) (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood