Monday 29 December 2014

Leeds in talks to sign Krhin

Leeds are in talks with Inter Milan about signing their Slovenian central midfielder Rene Krhin.

Inter don't want to let Krhin go out on loan, preferring to sell him in a permanent deal, for about 4 million Euros.

Leeds are currently under a transfer embargo though,of course, meaning they can only sign players on free transfers or loan deals in January - and even then under certain conditions.

Krhin is a 24-year-old Slovenia international who has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Liverpool in the past.

He's hardly played for Inter though, despite joining them from Maribor in 2007, and has spent four seasons on loan at Bologna in a co-ownership deal.

The player is highly regarded by Nicola Salerno, who is effectively Leeds' sporting director, though. And Darko Milanic also spoke highly of his countryman during his short stint as Leeds boss earlier this season.

I spoke briefly to Leeds owner Massimo Cellino from Miami on Saturday night. He said the club would be looking to bring in two central midfielders (one of them being Krhin, although Cellino refused to give me any names) as well as Italian striker Leonardo Pavoletti.

Cellino and Salerno have been keen on the Sassuolo striker ever since they first arrived at Elland Road. Cellino persuaded the 26-year-old to attend the Boxing Day game against Wigan.

It's unclear what the striker made of the 2-0 home defeat by the lowly Lancashire side though.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Danny Ings sets sights on becoming England regular

Football Focus: Danny Ings feature from Simon Austin on Vimeo.

Burnley striker Danny Ings says he won't be satisfied with only winning one England cap.

The 22-year-old, who has bagged four goals in his last six games, insists he wants to become an international regular.

"To play for the full international side has always been my dream," he said.

"Not just playing for them, but going up there and staying with the senior team.

"It’s not about getting one cap, it’s about being part of it for as long as you can.

"That’s obviously the future dream. I’ll stay grounded and work as hard as I can every day on the training ground.

"It’s your form for your club that opens doors. Saido (Berahino) has done extremely well and deserved his chance.

"Hopefully one day in the future that can be me. It’s massive for the country that there are a lot of young English strikers coming through and it’s very promising."