Leeds United transfer news: 'Growing confidence' over Whites deal, Raid plotted after failed £35m bid

The Argentine’s preference for rolling year-long contracts means that the Whites are never too far away from a nervy wait over whether or not he will renew his tenure at Elland Road, and this summer is set to be no different.

That being said, The Athletic report that there is “growing confidence” in Yorkshire that the 65-year-old will put pen to paper on a new contract.

In fact, the online publication even go as far as to suggest that he and transfer guru Victor Orta have already been involved in talks over how they can “redraw and refresh” Leeds' squad over the summer, suggesting that Bielsa intends to stay put.

Leeds United are ready to join the race to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare this summer. Newcastle United have been interested in the past. (Football Insider)

(Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP via Getty Images) — Leeds United are ready to join the race to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare this summer. Newcastle United have been interested in the past. (Football Insider) (Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP via Getty Images)

By his own standards, another season at Elland Road would be a fairly extraordinary development for the veteran boss.

According to Transfermarkt, his average tenure at a club comes in at 1.64 years. Another season with the Whites would be his fourth in Yorkshire.

But despite increased optimism, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has admitted to CBS Sports that he and his staff are preparing a contingency plan in case the worst comes to the worst and Bielsa does decide to call time on his spell in the dugout.

He said: "We wait on his decision but in any case, myself and Victor have already analysed the options and what to do in case Marcelo does not want to be with us.

There is growing confidence around Elland Road that manager Marcelo Bielsa will agree to a new deal with Leeds United. (The Athletic)

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — There is growing confidence around Elland Road that manager Marcelo Bielsa will agree to a new deal with Leeds United. (The Athletic) (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“We hope he will continue but in any case we are preparing the club. [But] I believe this team is not finished yet, [and] Marcelo as well.”

Elsewhere, Leeds are being linked with a potential move for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

According to Football Insider, the Whites have taken a shine to the 21-year-old, who has entered the last 18 months of his contract in France, and has previously attracted interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

The Magpies are said to have failed with a bid of around £35 million for the player last January.

West Ham United have tabled an offer of £30.3m for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri. (Il Milanista)

(Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) — West Ham United have tabled an offer of £30.3m for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri. (Il Milanista) (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Soumare looks to be a real talent too, and so far this season has completed 2.4% and won 7.3% more of his defensive duels than Kalvin Phillips, as per Wyscout.

We’ve gathered the rest of this lunchtime's Premier League speculation below: