By Sam Stone

25th May, 2023 | 5:10pm

Leeds United scouts run around in background as transfer preparations gather pace - Journalist

The scouting team at Leeds United has still been running behind the scenes despite the club’s perilous league position, according to Graham Smyth.

Sam Allardyce’s side need to beat Tottenham and hope other results go their way in order for the Whites to maintain their top-flight status.

Despite the uncertainty, Smyth has claimed the scouting team are continuing as normal without a sporting director in place at present.

“We’re told the scouting team has still been running in the background but with no one to lead the project and no certainty of who will own it this summer,” said Smyth (YEP Q and A, 25 May).

“What concrete stuff can they actually be working on? This, in turn, makes me look at any transfer links in an even more sceptical way.”

All will become clear

Things will become a lot clearer once the season concludes on Sunday (28 May). The odds are firmly against the Whites, but anything can happen on the final day of the season. Bournemouth beating Everton and West Ham continuing their impressive form against Leicester would be welcomed in West Yorkshire.

Andrea Radrizzani would be wise to get a sporting director in place as soon as possible. At present, the Italian seems preoccupied with his potential takeover of soon-to-be Serie B side Sampdoria. Perhaps, Radrizzani should be looking to focus on the issues which are present at Elland Road.

If Leeds do secure their Premier League survival, the Italian will almost certainly focus his attention back on proceedings in West Yorkshire. He’s done a lot during his tenure at the club, but now is the right time for him to hand over control. Fresh ideas and new investment are now required to avoid the last two seasons from repeating themselves.

In other Leeds United news, a Joe Gelhardt “keep or sell” verdict has been shared by one local journalist.