Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United look set to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin with the former Everton striker undergoing a medical at Elland Road.
On this page earlier, BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope had highlighted his concern about the lack of options in forward areas before the Premier League return.
So will bringing in Calvert-Lewin resolve the club's issues?
Is more required?
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United's attacking options are a "concern" for BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope with the Whites having made zero recruitments in that area so far this summer.
"You add into the mix that Patrick Bamford is now not a part of his Daniel Farke's plans and Lukas Nmecha was a free agent, so basically they're worse off now than in the Championship," Pope said on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
"At no point when we asked Farke [after Leeds drew 1-1 to AC Milan in a friendly on Saturday] about solving the problem in the next week did he suggest he felt something was close to being sorted."
Listen to the full episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet on BBC Sounds
The latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was once again left talking about a lack of attacking signings as pre-season came to a close in Ireland against AC Milan, so are the Whites ready for the Premier League?
Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix offer their views as we near the big kick-off.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Adonis Storr
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United return to the Premier League following two years in the Championship and German manager Daniel Farke is rebuilding his squad for the third time in successive summers.
After a loan exodus following relegation and then the departure of some of their best players last summer, Leeds are now recruiting for the scrap against the elite of English football.
During their last stint in the top flight they leaked 157 goals across two seasons so have to be much more defensively solid this time around.
In order to do this, their recruitment has focused heavily on defence and midfield.
Leeds have secured players who excel at interceptions and tackles, but who are also tall and love an aerial duel.
Daniel Farke has also changed formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3, switching out an attacking number 10, in favour of two roaming number eights.
Defensive upgrades have also been made by bringing in goalkeeper Lucas Perri and left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson.
So the hope for this season is that United have done enough with their tactical change and in recruitment to be very difficult to beat.
But if the hope is in Leeds' defence, the fear is in their forward line.
Lukas Nmecha - who joined on a free transfer - is the only addition so far, but with Patrick Bamford being surplus to requirements and Mateo Joseph leaving on loan, Farke has fewer options up front.
And while Jack Harrison has returned to the club after a second successive loan at Everton, he is no replacement for Manor Solomon who nearly single-handedly won the league last season with his vital contributions in the Championship run-in.
Farke has admitted Leeds need offensive additions before they can compete and win matches - and the Whites hope to have bolstered the forward line with reinforcements by the first international break.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external
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"I don't think all three promoted teams will go back down because I think Leeds will stay up," said The Observer's Rory Smith on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
For the last two seasons all promoted sides have all been relegated from the Premier League but Smith believes this season could be different because of the way Leeds have recruited.
He also cites Brentford and Wolves look weaker so could suffer a confidence crisis and give Leeds - and one other - an opportunity to capitalise upon.
"Leeds won't struggle for goals because they have the quality in attack to hurt teams and win games," said Smith. "Daniel Farke has clearly tried to add solidity and experience and Sean Longstaff is a great signing.
"They have added a bit of grizzle to their mix and that is important."
Leeds United are competing with Newcastle United for the signing of 21-year-old Leicester City and Morocco attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has sacked his agent as he attempts to find a new club. The 28-year-old England striker has held talks with Leeds, Manchester United, Newcastle. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Tom McCoy
BBC Sport
Once defender Omar Alderete's transfer from Getafe to Sunderland is completed, it will take spending by the three newly promoted clubs to over £300m this summer.
Excluding Alderete, the Black Cats have paid out an estimated £122m on 10 players. Burnley have brought in 13 new faces at a cost of approximately £100m, while Leeds United have invested £73.5m on seven signings.
There is little doubt that consolidating top-flight status is harder than ever, with the gulf between the Championship and Premier League continuing to widen. In each of the previous two seasons, the three sides that came up went straight back down.
As a consequence, clubs are spending ever increasing sums in the hope of remaining competitive, but with no guarantee it will pay off.
Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City shelled out a total of £276.5m last summer but together they accumulated just 59 points, the lowest combined figure by newly promoted teams in a 38-game Premier League season.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Leeds are ready for the new season after the Whites completed their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in Dublin on Saturday.
Here are some of your comments:
John: Unfortunately, I think we are in for a very difficult season to remain in the Premier League. Recruitment in offensive areas is nill! If they don't spend big, I'm sure we'll go down. One thing I can guarantee: the atmosphere for every match home and away will be electric and that is why the Premier League is a better place if we can stay up.
Graham: Defensively, we're ready, but up top we need a proven PL-level striker or we'll end up like Burnley - 0-0 draws every other week. On a slightly more serious note, I hope we give Farke a good run at it and our fans don't scream for him to be sacked three games in. We all realise it's going to be a struggle, so have some patience!
Keith: Impressed by the first signings. A set of 'giants' that will make us hopefully stronger defensively, but the silence since the signing of Perri hasn't been golden. We look weak up front, not convinced with either frontman we currently have. It's amazing that we've had so much time since promotion was achieved but didn't have a plan B, C or D just in case our first option fell through - which it did. I've confidence that in the next couple of weeks we will get a full-back, winger or number 10 and a striker, but they need to get a wriggle on and not wait till the last minute.
Garry: Pre-season has been steady, but with the new signings also looking promising. We still need cover for left-back, although Pascal can play there. I get the feeling we are going to see Harry Gray get game time too. Love how most odds have Farke to be among the first to get sacked. No chance!
Alex: We've built good depth in the defence with the signings of Bornauw Bijol and Gudmundsson. We've also improved the midfield with the signing of Anton Stach, who has looked good in pre-season and Sean Longstaff. They add to an already good midfield. Then, we've solved our goalkeeper problem with the signing of Lucas Perri and a new striker will improve our depth up top. Overall, I think we are ready for the Premier League and can hopefully stay up next season.
Robert: No, we are NOT ready yet. Since Bielsa, we have failed to get in at least ONE proven Premier League-quality striker. Some good business has been done, BUT, until we have the proper goalscoring firepower, we will still be among the relegation favourites. Get a move on.
Pre-season is completed and the countdown to the 2025-26 season is on.
It's been a busy summer at Elland Road with six arrivals to bolster Daniel Farke's squad for the Premier League return.
Leeds start the season at home to Everton on Monday - but are they ready?
Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe river dance-off between two performers clad in the respective club shirts of Leeds United and AC Milan as pre-match entertainment at the Aviva Stadium went the way of the Whites.
Well, if the reaction of a full house dominated by Leeds fans was anything to go by.
So too should have the result of United's final pre-season fixture, which ended in a 1-1 draw with the Serie A side.
Manager Daniel Farke certainly thought so:
"Against one of Europe's giants, the feeling was we should have won this game because there were so many periods where we dominated," he said
The game's outstanding player, Anton Stach, ensured a third pre-season draw against decent opponents, with the Premier League return against Everton at home looming a week on Monday.
The impressive midfielder capped off his imperious display with a crisp shot into the far corner from the left edge of the penalty area.
It prompted the immediate substitution of Milan keeper Petro Terraciano but, to be honest Stach had led everybody on the park a merry dance. Linking play, stopping play, firing shots away - he had it all.
"You can see why he was one of my key wishes in terms of signings," added Farke. "He gave an outstanding performance. We've spoken a lot about his size and his physicality but he's a really good footballer who is tidy on the ball."
Farke blooded new keeper Lucas Perri for the first half and the Brazilian had one strong take followed by a trademark long throw to start an attack.
As he acclimatises to his new team-mates he will become steadier with his feet but he is an imposing figure. Karl Darlow, who finished last season as the club's number one, also featured but Illan Meslier's days look numbered with Farke saying: "It was not necessary for him to travel."
Jayden Bogle (hip) is expected to recover from injury in time to face Everton, which will provide a much needed boost to the right side of the defence, but Leeds' main issue remains in the final third.
"In comparison to our Championship squad, we have not improved the offence," Farke said. "To have a squad capable to survive in the top flight, we need to strengthen. In offence, we need some top class signings, not just numbers."
However, the Leeds boss gave little away to suggest the club was close to bringing in a new number nine.
"We'll give our best in the next days before Everton," he added.
It seems the pirouettes, twirls and spins of the transfer jig could go to the wire.
Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Mateo Joseph's loan move to Mallorca.
Here are some of your comments:
Charlie: Good move for him. He'll get good quality football, most likely be a regular starter, and I think it will play a crucial part in his development. He has a lot of potential and has shown glimpses of promise playing for Leeds. Looking forward to seeing how he gets on in Spain.
Steve: If you're not willing to stay and fight for the shirt, you're not fit to be at Leeds, which is a shame as I was one of many hoping last season he would claim a spot in the team.
Dave: Joseph has fantastic potential. Absolutely the right thing to get him out on loan. Give him a season in a highly competitive league and lets see where he's at in 12 months.
Andy: He tried hard but just wasn't able to perform in the right moments for Leeds last season. I think this is the best all-round solution. Hopefully, he'll have a brilliant season and his stock will go up.
Tony: It leaves us light but a player who does not want to be at the club needs to go.
Ian: Although we have made a number of good signings (mostly midfielders), we are light up front - we desperately need a recognised striker.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds concluded their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against AC Milan at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Santiago Gimenez opened the scoring for the Serie A side in the first half, before Anton Stach scored his first goal for the club in the 67th minute.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri made his debut for the Whites while Jack Harrison's introduction in the second half was met with boos from some home fans.
The result ensured Daniel Farke's men have drawn all three of their summer friendlies.
Up next is the first Premier League game of the season against Everton at Elland Road.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds have confirmed striker Mateo Joseph has joined La Liga side Mallorca on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old forward has made 73 first team appearances for the Whites since joining from Espanyol in January 2022, scoring six goals.
He signed a a new long-term contract with the club in January 2024 that runs until 2028 but stated his desire to leave Elland Road earlier this summer, according to manager Daniel Farke.
What do you make of how this situation has been handled?
And does Joseph's exit leave Leeds light upfront?
You have been sharing your stories and photos about why you love Leeds United.
Here is a final selection of your submissions, but do make sure you scroll down this page to see all the best responses from throughout the week:
Sam: I woke up one FA Cup final day (1970) to blue and white scarves hanging from windows everywhere.
"Chelsea," my dad said. "They're playing Leeds United."
I replied, "I'll support them instead." I have followed Leeds religiously since - TV, radio, newspapers - and saw them live whenever they played in London.
My first trip to Elland Road was in 1976, for an FA Cup match against Crystal Palace. After the game, Leeds fans confronted me over my southern accent, until I named the squad. They bought me fish and chips and escorted me back to the station.
Neil: My dad Michael Addy, was on the ground staff at Elland Road in the early Sixties. He is 82 now and one of Revie's Boys. I was born in Leeds in 1967 and have only ever been a Leeds supporter. My son Samuel was born in 1997 and is a Leeds fan thanks to his grandad. He took his daughter Daisy to Elland Road for her first game last Saturday. The photo is of her pointing at 'Grandad Mick's' name on the professionals board. A new supporter - it's in the blood.
Abdullah: Growing up as a boy in the Midlands in the days we could write to football clubs for signed autographs, posters of the team and other merchandise it was a great thing. Wrote to Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool - no response. Wrote to Alex Ferguson at Man Utd - no response. Wrote to Howard Wilkinson, and a couple of days later through the post received merchandise and signed posters from the whole team and a personalised autograph from Howard Wilkinson. That's the time I knew this was the team for me. Marching on Together.
Vince: I'm 68 now and first saw the great Leeds side when I was 10. What a team, I was hooked.
My aunty gave me a fully autographed listing of the 1956-57 team, I remember most of the players. Look out for a very young John Charlton and the very great John Charles.
Hope it brings back some happy memories to you oldies and young alike.
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Leeds United
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Guy: On my tenth birthday in 1970 my parents told me were going on a surprise trip from Retford where we lived - the destination turned out to be Elland Road! We were able to watch the team training and I had my picture taken with Big Jack. Sadly he wasn't looking at the camera because he was distracted by my mum who was flirting with Gary Sprake!
Peter: My parents had gone to a dinner/dance, leaving me home alone in the hotel. I never liked football but while watching Match of the Day for the first time, I saw seeing Terry Connor score on his debut against West Bromwich Albion. I asked my dad to take me to the next match, which he did.
As well as becoming season ticket holders together from then on, my love of playing football continues to this day.
Image source, Getty ImagesTim: My grandad was a Leeds season ticket holder and one of the 100 club that helped save the club in the 1960s.
He was born in the shadow of Elland Road in Beeston, as was my dad. Growing up in the 1970s, my brothers and I supported the great Leeds team of the era and have followed them ever since.
I'm happy to say the next generation has taken up the torch even though we have all moved away from Leeds and are now spread around the country.
Send us your pictures and stories here
Jonathan Buchan
BBC Radio Leeds Sports Editor
Image source, Getty ImagesThe away following for Leeds United is peerless. No matter the division. From Liverpool to Luton, via Chelsea and Charlton. Wherever Leeds go they take more.
Which has weirdly become a problem.
The clamour for away tickets has become routine over the past decade with the majority of supporters expected to join a first-come first-served online queue. This led to multiple tabs open on multiple computers, in the middle of a work day.
No more.
The club launched a new 'ballot' system for the upcoming Premier League campaign. In their statement they say they did this on the back of conversations with supporter groups including their 'Supporters Advisory Board'.
The aim, according to that statement, is to 'continue to reward loyalty' while being able to 'provide a fairer and more inclusive application process'. A 'tracker system' has been put in place to provide a 50% chance of a ticket for those who attended a 'high' number of away games last season.
Some feel the multiple tabs option was a fair way to reward those willing to put in the time. Others feel it became a 'closed shop' rewarding those who knew how to play the system.
It is understandable that many who did the majority of the miles last term feel this new way of distribution disregards that. It is also understandable that those able to attend only a few games, now feel like they can go to the party.
The results of the first ballot for a trip to Arsenal has seen some fans overjoyed with getting tickets, and some feeling disgruntled at missing the opening trip back in the top flight.
What is guaranteed is that the trains and service stations will still be full of Leeds fans on matchdays, only now with some new faces along for the ride.
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Danielle Sarver CoombsWhen it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.
In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.
And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.
"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.
"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.
"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.
"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.
"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."
A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.
But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.
"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.
"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."
As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?
"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.
"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.
"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."
Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.
And check out those from other Premier League teams over here
Image source, Leeds United FCLeeds have unveiled their third kit for the upcoming season.
The club say the shirt is inspired by the "cherished Elland Road ritual" of swirling scarves on a matchday.
They describe the blue and yellow abstract patterns as an "iconic tribute" to thousands of scarves swirling in unison.
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