Still with no real news to speak of, we resort to the national rags for a daily injection of controversy and scandal as they speculate on who we’ll sign and who will rob our prized assets, starting with a little known midfielder from Newcastle United who will cost us just £15,000 per week!

Newcastle offer sweetener to Leeds – The Sun

It’s the never-ending tale of the homegrown lad who deserted his team for their bitter rivals during a financial meltdown that saw his beloved Whites sink to the third tier of English football.

Calum Myth – as we’ve resorted to calling him because we’re sick of hearing his name – does seem to be a genuine target for Leeds boss Simon Grayson who has told of his admiration for the player and refused to rule out a move.

The stumbling block – as is always the case with Ken Bates led Leeds United – is money. For once, you can understand the concerns of our tight-fisted chairman however when you learn Myth is on a ridiculous £60,000 per week at the Looney Toons.

The Sun claim the Barcodes will stump up half of that for the final year of his contract and that Myth will accept a measly £15,000 a week from Leeds to join the club he loves. That’s £780,000 divided by the 6-7 injury-free games we’ll get from him – Deal!

Dudek in line to replace Schmeichel – The Mirror

Former Liverpool stopper Jersey Dudek is believed to be a target for Simon Grayson as he looks to replace Kasper Schmeichel following his £1.5m move to Leicester City.

Despite his credentials as a former Champions League winner who has played for Liverpool, Feyenoord and Real Madrid, you have to laugh this one away when you consider he’s 38 years old and managed just 12 appearances in the last four seasons – it’s also in The Mirror who haven’t got a Leeds rumour right in about 10 years so you can sleep easily tonight.

Max Gradel to West Ham – Various

Like all good stories, this one has picked up an extra twist today as various news outlets claim Leeds United have held unsuccessful talks with Max’s representatives and are now open to offers for their star winger.

His 18 goal contribution last season was always going to make him a target for Premier League clubs and when you add to that the fact he has just a year remaining on his contract this becomes an easily spinnable news story for anyone short of a headline.

Leeds have already rejected a superior offer for Max so the reported £2.5m from West Ham seems unlikely. However, with Ken Bates more focused on the development of the East Stand than he is the first team squad, the likelihood of him cashing in on players like Max increases – especially if the club can’t agree a contract extension with the Ivorian.

Other bits and bobs…

Mike Grella returned to training at Thorp Arch today but revealed on Twitter he is 99% sure he won’t start the season at Elland Road and is simply awaiting the right move. Elsewhere, Richard Naylor is on the brink of signing for Doncaster Rovers.