The End Is Nigh!

Not as doom-laden as it sounds.

And yes, it's another night of the long articles, alas.

Two issues should be resolved by the end of the Australia tour.

Firstly, Raphinha's next destination should be finalised. Apparently, if the "reliable journalists" are to be believed, Barcelona's latest offer is only verbal, falls short of LUFC's valuation, and they would prefer to pay their first instalment next year. If true, the gall and disrespect displayed by these literal beggars merit nothing less than a colossal middle finger. Basically, they want Raphinha for free for a year before making their first down-payment - if it ever materialises.

I hope that both player and agent finally realise that it's far from a realistic business proposition, whatever their preference may be, and that after all the time-wasting, Raphinha finishes up at Chelsea. Money talks and Chelsea have been screaming for well over a week now. The money would be in place for Orta to focus our recruitment on a much needed senior striker. All that matters to me is that we get a fair price for Raphinha without any complications - whoever it is that stumps up.

Secondly, Firpo's injury, as slight at is may be, has ruled him out of the Australia tour. Perhaps it was meant to be this way because given JM's impression of Leif Davis thus far, it will be an ideal opportunity to assess him as a possible back up to Firpo.

It will go one of two ways - either Davis measures up with some convincing displays and secures his place in the squad for the coming season, saving the club some money along the way, or he is deemed surplus to requirements and the club goes for another left-back.

Josh Tymon at Stoke has been mentioned in the press as a possible signing. He's a year older than Davis but has nearly 80 Championship games under his belt so is much more experienced. The net cost to Leeds could be around £4.5 million with Davis possibly costing Ipswich, who are interested in signing him, around £1.5 million, and Tymon costing an estimated £6 million.

As with everything during the close season, it's all conjecture and speculation, so we won't know for sure until it's imminent. Sinisterra is perfect proof of that. That's one that the snouts missed, and it's one that made me smile because it just went to show that they don't know it all.

So far, for me it's a job well done - the squad has been expanded and strengthened with senior players of an international pedigree, all the work being done nice and early, and I'm looking forward to the new season with optimism.

Two or three more pieces of the jigsaw and we're set to go with an opener at Elland Road.

The last time we had a home game on the opening day was for Bielsa's first game in charge - a blistering and breath-taking 3-1 win against Stoke.

It won't be Bielsa-ball this time round but it will be JM's fist game in charge with a new look team moulded in his image and footballing philosophy.

If we're harder to beat, can score a few goals and make better use of set-pieces, I'll be happy.

Perhaps the article should have been titled "The Beginning Is Nigh".

Either way, take your pick. Depending on which side of the close season we stand, both are equally valid.

As I sit here, sparks flying off the keyboard and a stiff Vimto close at hand, I raise a glass to all connected with LUFC, including fellow boarders and threaders, for a better, less stressful season ahead.

Let's show everyone that we're a, an, an astromonical phemomenomenenemum in the soccer world

God bless Leeds United States and all who sail in her

MOT