Leeds United latest: Sean Longstaff transfer update, Archie Gray news, Daniel Farke claim | OneFootball

Leeds United are top of the Championship heading into the international break with Daniel Farke's side the form team in the division.

The Whites entered this season among the favourites for promotion and are in the mix again as they sit first thanks to a 2-0 win over Millwall on Sunday.

The two-time Championship winner is unbeaten at Elland Road, and, so far in 2024 in the league, whilst he himself is aiming for a third promotion in as many years from the second tier.

The race for promotion has heated up considerably for Farke's side after a flawless start since the turn of the year, recording 12 league wins and a draw so far since the turn of the year, which not only helped close the gap to the other sides in the mix, but overtake them.

Watford and Hull City are their opponents after the international break ends, with Easter weekend a critical period for teams at both ends of the table during the run-in.

However, in the meantime, with those games looming ever closer, here we have taken a look at some of the latest news and biggest headlines coming out of Elland Road.

Sean Longstaff linked with Leeds move

According to the Sunday Mirror (March 17th, page 66), via Leeds United News, the West Yorkshire outfit are monitoring Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, and they could make a bid of up to £15 million if they are promoted.

Longstaff has become a mainstay in the Magpies' team in the last few years, but he is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract at St. James' Park, and while preliminary talks have been held over a new deal, his future is uncertain.

However, Eddie Howe revealed that the 26-year-old has been playing through the pain barrier this season, and insisted that he remains an integral part of his plans.

"Sean needs to train regularly to get his best rhythm. I think his training in the last few weeks has been disrupted by an ongoing foot problem he first received against Everton at the end of last season," Howe told Chronicle Live.

"Last week he had an injection but did train, but late in the week. That is always difficult for any player when their training week is disrupted.

"Sean has had some really good games for us this season and he is a really important player. He has game intelligence and his understanding of what we want from him is of the highest level.

"I back him, I back his ability and I know how good he is. He is integral to us when he's at his very best but I do think he needs to train regularly to get his best rhythm."

Archie Gray update emerges

There has been constant speculation across the campaign regarding Gray's future, which included reports in November claiming that Liverpool were readying themselves for a bid in excess of £40 million to acquire the youngster's services.

And whilst Leeds were able to fend off any January interest and tie the central-midfielder turned right-back to a long-term contract, a fresh update on such transfer speculation has been revealed.

According to Football Insider, Leeds' resolve "will be tested" when it comes to keeping hold of their sought-after academy graduate, as multiple suitors circle over a potential summer deal.

However, one crumb of comfort for Leeds fans is the report claims that any final decision on such matters will come down to the 18-year-old, who has also been linked with bitter rivals Manchester United recently, as well as prior interest from Everton and Crystal Palace.

Gordon Strachan's Daniel Farke claim

The performances of Kieran McKenna in the Ipswich dugout have impressed former Whites midfielder, Gordon Strachan. The former Scotland manager, who also managed Southampton for three seasons, has been impressed with Farke and his job with Leeds this season.

However, he has insisted that the job McKenna has done at Ipswich is deserving of the Manager of the Year award at the end of the campaign.

"Leeds are on an incredible run, but the fans are smart and won’t take anything for granted," Strachan said to Football League World via OLBG.

"I heard them talking after the Leicester game, and they were praising them, which shows they know how much quality there is in the Championship.

"I think the standard there has been exceptional this year, but in terms of Daniel Farke being the manager of the year, I’d actually go for Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.

"If you think about what he has to work with and where he's brought them, then he’s done fantastic. It looked at one point like they might drop off, but they’re still right up there.

"With the standard of Southampton as well, the level is so good this year."