Leeds United news round-up: Dan James exit twist emerges, Spertsyan stance shared
Leeds United find themselves in pole position in the Championship but the job is yet to be done.
Daniel Farke is a specialist in guiding teams to the Premier League and while he failed to do that last season, things have been much better this time around.
There continues to be plenty being reported about the Whites, so MOT Leeds News have prepared a round-up from the stories on Friday, 14 February.
Lee Hendrie hails “outstanding” Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka has taken his game from strength to strength since his move to Elland Road and has become an important first-team player.
While it remains to be seen whether or not the Japan international’s performances will translate to success in the Premier League, he’s certainly doing wonders in the second tier.
This season, he’s made 29 Championship appearances and has been among the first names on the team sheet for Farke.
Hendrie, who has been pleased with the 26-year-old’s performances in the middle of the park, told Sky Sports: “Tanaka, what a signing he has been, I mean he has been outstanding in midfield for them, a real driving force.”
Leeds United target Eduard Spertsyan wants to leave Krasnodar
Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan confirmed that a move to Elland Road is something that would be of interest to him.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder admits that he wants to leave and the fact that the Whites could be in the Premier League is a promising thing for him.
He admitted, in a recent interview, that the offer needs to be right for his club to sanction his exit and he’s yet to speak to Farke.
The Armenian told Championat: “Why not? They will most likely get into the Premier League, they are in first place. But Krasnodar is also in first place. Yes, I want to leave, but I can’t leave the club. For them to let me go in the winter, the offer must be very good, and the club must have a great desire to take me. This winter, that’s exactly what didn’t happen.”
Dan James part of the future at Leeds United
The Whites aim to be in the Premier League next season and view Dan James as part of their future. [Graeme Bailey]
The TBR Football journalist told leedsunited.news that until late last year, the Wales international was very happy at Elland Road.
It’s now understood that the Whites have the chance to sign him on a new deal so he can stay and not seal an exit.