Leeds eye Demirović & Sulc as Rodon nears return during international break
Latest result: Leeds 0-0 Crystal Palace
Leeds United's most recent Premier League outing ended in a goalless stalemate at Elland Road against Crystal Palace on 20 September. The point kept the Whites unbeaten in the top flight this season, though the performance left something to be desired. Key players have since spoken candidly about a flat display, with one Leeds star describing the mood in the dressing room as "sleepy" after the match.
Recent form: Whites bully Newcastle
Before the Palace draw, Daniel Farke's men produced one of their most impressive displays of the campaign, destroying Newcastle United 4-1 at Elland Road. Goals from a Miley own goal, Jayden Bogle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Noah Okafor sealed a dominant victory that sent Leeds climbing to third place in the Premier League table and handed Newcastle their first league defeat of the season. The Whites have also suffered a dramatic Carabao Cup exit, losing 6-3 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after the Blues scored six second-half goals in a stunning comeback.
Injury update: Rodon closing in on return
The biggest injury concern at Elland Road remains Wales international centre-back Joe Rodon, who suffered a serious hamstring problem when he was forced off just 34 minutes into the 1-1 draw with Brentford earlier in the season. Manager Daniel Farke confirmed the defender faces eight to ten weeks on the sidelines, saying it is "a big blow for us because he is a key player." With the October international break now underway, there is growing optimism that Rodon could be nearing a comeback. The earliest realistic return date is around 25 October, though the Arsenal trip on 10 October is likely to come too soon. In his absence, summer signing Tarik Muharemovic has impressed, with Nico Elvedi also stepping up at the back.
Manager news: Farke contract talks progressing
Off the pitch, there is positive news regarding Farke's future. Leeds United managing director Robbie Evans has indicated that the club and their German head coach are making strong progress towards a new long-term contract. Farke is currently in the final year of his existing deal, but the Elland Road hierarchy insist there is no need to rush, with confidence high that an agreement will be reached. Contract renewals for key players are also on the agenda, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin — signed on a free transfer last summer — identified as a priority after his excellent start to the Premier League campaign.
Transfer talk
RUMOUR: According to Italian media sources cited by Sport Witness, Leeds are "not giving up" on their pursuit of Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović, valued at around £30 million, despite strong competition from Juventus. AC Milan and Galatasaray are also said to be monitoring the Bosnia & Herzegovina international, with Leeds reportedly providing "intense competition" in the race for his signature ahead of the January window.
RUMOUR: Leeds have also been linked with Lyon attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc, with reports suggesting the club could rekindle their interest in January after a summer approach broke down over the fee. The 25-year-old Czech international, who contributed 25 goal involvements in all competitions last season, has made it clear that any interested club must meet Lyon's asking price — and Leeds will need to spend big if they want to bring him to Elland Road.
RUMOUR: There are also reports that the 49ers Enterprises ownership could sanction the sale of one attacker in January, with one outlet claiming Farke has already identified a replacement. No names have been officially confirmed on either side of that deal.