Leeds head to Ireland without Lewis Cook

As Leeds United embark on yet another pre-season campaign ahead of their sixth straight season in the second tier of English football, the loss of young midfielder Lewis Cook has not provided supporters with the confidence boost in which they so craved. The reining Football League young player of the year moved from Leeds last week, and joined Premier League side Bournemouth, in what could eventually reach a reported £10million in transfer fees. With the losses of Sam Byram, Jonny Howson and Fabian Delph in recent times, Leeds fans will be hoping new manager Gary Monk can provide some much needed stability to Elland Road ahead of another demanding season in the Championship.

Despite finishing in twelfth position last time around, Leeds’ odds on getting promoted again are relatively favourable among the bookmakers, with Coral offering 11/1 in the Championship football odds. The arrival of Oxford United marksmen Kemar Roofe, along with five other new additions is certainly helping to rebuild the belief at Elland Road, with fan once again in confident mood ahead of the upcoming campaign. The team are currently stepping up their preparations away in Ireland, with Monk keen for his new signings to fully ingratiate themselves within the squad.

Swede Joel Ekstrand had looked like being the newest arrival to the Whites squad this summer, however the club have now seemingly pulled out of a deal for the defender over concerns surrounding his fitness. However, the likes of experienced goalkeeper Rob Green, former Swansea duo Kyle Bartley and Matt Grimes, and Swedish forward Marcus Antonsson should more than make up for such a loss. The player signed from Swedish side Kalmar FF was the top scorer in the Allsvenskan before his departure, and is already impressed by his new surroundings.

With Monk having been out of work since losing his job at Swansea City, Leeds are given odds of 4/1 by Coral to face relegation come the end of the season, in what has the potential to be a season of transition at Elland Road. With Championship new boys Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Norwich all looking to stamp their authority from the start, it could well be another topsy-turvy season for many clubs, including Leeds.