Daniel Farke has a decision to make on a number of Leeds United players who are in the final year of their contracts – and TeamTalk say he is undecided as things stand, on Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper.
Phil Hay reported that 32-year-old Cooper, who has been at the club since the summer of 2014 and has played 289 times for Leeds, was the subject of a wealthy offer from Robbie Fowler’s side Al Qadsiah.
But he chose to reject it. Since, he has been injured but also shown why he still has plenty to offer – his goal against Cardiff, clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Watford. Dallas, meanwhile, is fighting to return.
The Northern Irishman is also out of contract next summer and has not played since April 2022 – when a duel with Jack Grealish saw him break his leg. He is also out of contract at the end of the season.
The report states that while Farke has made a decision on Ayling, and will offer the right-back another 12 months come January – he is still yet to decide on Cooper and Dallas. Talks unlikely, until January.
Farke undecided on Leeds duo Dallas and Cooper as things stand
For Dallas and Cooper, it is a race against time. They will need to prove over the next few months that they are worthy of a new Leeds deal. That is, if they want to remain at Elland Road beyond next June.
Dallas is of course, a player that has enormous quality and improves Leeds in the Premier League and in the Championship – if, he is anything like the Dallas we knew and loved prior to his long-standing injury.
For Cooper, it is more likely to be a case of whether he wants to remain beyond 2024 having garnered interest – and, if he wants to be a squad player. He is no longer first choice, but remains a key player.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
