The Leeds United rumour mill: Demerit, Hooper & Orlandi TSS June 29, 2010 Leeds United 286 Comments With the World Cup now over (as far as I’m concerned) the attention turns back to Leeds United and the latest rumours gathering pace. With the transfer window opening in less than 48 hours, Leeds United fans may soon get an idea as to whether we’ll be spending anything this summer or whether Simon Grayson’s promise of ‘more signings,’ simply means ‘more free transfers.’ Jay Demerit Demerit playing for the Yanks We start with an out of contract American, who played against England at the World Cup. Demerit is a 30-year old centre-back, who has so far won 25 caps for the USA. During the game against Algeria, Demerit received a nasty injury to his tongue. He continued to play through the pain barrier however, despite the injury requiring five stitches after the game. Demerit shows the kind of determined, ‘never say die’ attitude Leeds United fans love and would link up with fellow American, Mike Grella. Demerit was also part of the team that beat Spain 2-0 in the Confederations Cup, later being described as ‘superb’ in the Spanish press. He’s spent the last six years at Watford, where he made 182 appearances. Likelihood factor: Another free transfer in a position that unquestionably requires strengthening. If Jay Demerit is indeed interested in Leeds United, then he seems like the ideal signing to partner Patrick Kisnorbo in defence. 8/10 Gary Hooper Hoops loves Leeds? This rumour just refuses to go away. Ongoing now for the last couple of seasons, Hooper’s contract is gradually dwindling away and with it, so does the price Scunthorpe can demand. With Scunthorpe resigned to losing Hooper, it would appear the youngster favours a move to Elland Road despite bids from Middlesbrough and Blackpool. Despite being in a position to offer more money than Leeds United, it seems any move to Middlesbrough has now been ruled out after Hooper continually stalled the deal to await Leeds United’s offer. Boro have allegedly grown tired of chasing the 22-year old and moved on to other targets. The rumours claim that Hooper will be having talks with Leeds United over the next 48 hours and could be confirmed as a new signing by early next week, with a fee believed to be in the region of £1m. Likelihood factor: I’ve been rattling on about Hooper for so long now that I’m scared to get too excited. The number one target this summer as far as I’m concerned and an ideal replacement for Jermaine Beckford. Whether he’ll prefer a relegation season at Blackpool or not could be the deciding factor, but my fingers and toes are firmly crossed. 5/10 Andrea Orlandi Not the foggiest clue where this one has sprung from, so can only assume there’s some truth behind it. Orlandi is a 25-year old, Spanish winger who currently plays for Swansea. He started his career at Alaves before joining Barcelona on loan where he made 67 appearances for their B team and once appeared in their senior side. Orlandi has been at Swansea since 2007, making 49 appearances and scoring twice. I aren’t 100% on this, but it seems he’s out of contract, which would make him fit perfectly into Leeds United’s price range. Likelihood factor: Hard to say as I have no idea where the rumour originated from. It does have all the hallmarks of a Grayson signing however, given the fact that few of us will have ever heard of him, we had no idea we were chasing him and he’s (possibly) available on a free. 6.5/10 The new TSS forums are now open. Click here to visit them now and discuss all things LUFC (and some things besides!)