The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 23rd March) Should Gracia stay if he keeps Leeds up
Good Morning. It's Thursday 23rd March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Should Gracia stay if he keeps Leeds up
With seven points from his six (league) games in charge, Javi Gracia has given Leeds a fighting chance of staying up. Their performance last Saturday against Wolves may not have been perfect, but was far better than their league position suggests. If they can keep it going, they have every chance of avoiding the drop.
It is believed, that once Leeds are mathematically safe, that the 49ers will take over, and a mass transition both on and off the pitch will take place. Hypothetically, if this were to happen, would you like to see Gracia rewarded with a long term contract, or should they concentrate on a bigger name?
Marcelo Gallardo, Andoni Iraola, Arne Slot and Antonio Conte will all be in high demand this Summer, but with their top flight status intact, and new owners in place with a large spending budget, suddenly, the Elland Road hot seat doesn't seem like such a bad idea.
Drameh thriving at Luton Town
Cody Drameh has made quite an impression at Kenilworth Road since joining Luton Town on loan in January. The 21yo has risen straight to the top of the Whoscored rankings with an average 7.21 rating. With six wins, two draws and a defeat since arriving in Bedfordshire, the Hatters have risen to fourth place in the Championship, just six points off an automatic spot.
Protected by a back three, Drameh has been given freedom to attack down the right flank at will, and with 14 clear cut chances created, already tops the division with that stat. With Kristensen out of favour, and Ayling's days numbered, why haven't Leeds tied Drameh down to a long term contract?
Media sources suggest he earns £4,400 a week, over seven times less than what Rutter takes home (£35,000). For a club who invest so heavily on their youngsters, why haven't they done more to tie him down to a lucrative long term deal? If he stays, should he be first choice right back next season?
Barca starlet expected at Elland Road this Summer
Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barcelona are contemplating dropping teen sensation Ilias Akhomach for the rest of their campaign after refusing to sign a new contract at the Nou Camp. The exciting 18yo right winger is expected to sign a pre agreed four year contract in July, when he becomes a free agent. This has infuriated the Catalan club, who are ready to drop him from their 'B' team.