1 Page Local: June 2022

Thursday, 30 June 2022

Lewis Bate’s Leeds United path is clearer than ever as he eyes breakthrough season

There will be a few at Thorp Arch this week pinpointing the 2022/2023 season as a breakthrough season. A combination of working under a manager more inclined to blood youth, the relegation of the under-21s (previously under-23s) to the second-tier of the Premier League 2 and the reintroduction of the five substitutes rule put several of Leeds United’s young talents on the cusp of senior football.

None will be more ready than Lewis Bate who, after his initial ?1.5million move from Chelsea last summer, has to make the step up to Premier League football over the next year. The 19-year-old started 21 times in the Premier League 2 last season and, despite his side’s relegation, was a standout performer.

But his performances earned just four senior appearances, his debut coming in the FA Cup defeat to West Ham before a second-half substitute appearance in the 3-2 win against the Hammers. Still a teenager, Bate was dealt an unimaginably tough hand when coming on at half-time against Arsenal, 2-0 down and with 10-men after Luke Ayling’s horror challenge – talk about baptism of fire.

But Bate was brilliant that game, pulling the strings of the midfield as Leeds pulled one goal back. And although he was outnumbered and overrun in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea a week later, promise was there.

Marc Roca’s arrival at Elland Road sparked murmurs of Bate’s immediate future, with the Bayern Munich man likely to come straight into the central midfield role that Bate will hope to fulfil. But rather than hinder the young midfielder’s chances, Roca’s role and prominence in the first-team has only made his path clearer.

Last season – mainly under Marcelo Bielsa – Bate’s main problem was that he didn’t have a senior player to deputise for. The ex-Chelsea academy product lacked the physical presence to stand in for Kalvin Phillips or the box-to-box mobility of a Mateusz Klich. And while his profile was closest to Adam Forshaw, Bate’s passing range offered far more than his older teammates conservative work in possession.

In Roca, however, the ex-Chelsea academy product now has a clear first-team version of his own playing style. The Spaniard will dominate possession for the Whites, dropping into central spaces and initiating attacks from deep, but with a more dynamic and defensive partner alongside – potentially Tyler Adams or Mohamed Camara – he is relieved of covering the ground and protected from being exposed in an open side.

That midfield dynamic is perfect for Bate, with his role in possession not being overcrowded by the likes of Phillips or Forshaw also demanding the ball, but also having that cover defensively. And having Roca in the startling lineup puts Bate into the category of direct back-up, instead of more general support.

And with the 2022/2023 campaign reintroducing five substitutes, Bate will likely have more opportunity to come into games for his senior teammate. As with all of the Whites’ fringe youth – Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville – the chance to come on and enjoy games rather than being brought on to save them will relieve a lot of pressure and garner an environment for development.

Next season could be a defining one at Elland Road for Bate, who can make the step up to first-team football if he continues to perform with the quality he did last season. He – along with Greenwood, Gelhardt and Summerville – are the next generation of stars at Elland Road, and their development over the coming year will be crucial in Leeds’ future.

And with the addition of Roca and a direct predecessor to his role, the path for Bate has never been clearer.

Leeds United in race against time to seal deal for 26-year-old winger

Leeds United are interested in signing winger Moses Simon from Nantes this summer.

That’s according to a report from French outlet RMC Sport, who do however, suggest the Elland Road club will have to move quickly if they are to get a deal done.

With Raphinha among those who look set to be on their way out of Elland Road this summer, a new winger looks to be a major priority for Leeds in what remains of the market.

Now it seems as though the club are considering Simon to fill that role, with the 26-year-old having six goals and provided eight assists in 30 Ligue 1 games for Nantes last season.

According to this latest update, Leeds are monitoring the situation around Simon this summer, following those exploits during the 2021/22 campaign.

However, it is claimed that Simon himself already has a deal in place with Nantes’ Ligue 1 rivals Nice, meaning Leeds may not have long to seal a deal if they are to win this transfer race.

Indeed, with Nantes chief Frank Kita admitting the winger could be sold this summer if the right offers come in, it seems there is a chance the 26-year-old will be on the move in the coming weeks.

You get the feeling Leeds may want to move quickly to give themselves a chance of getting a deal done here.

With Raphinha looking destined to move on this summer, another addition in the wide areas will be vital for the club, and Simon could certainly fill that role.

Indeed, given Raphhinha himself has flourished at Leeds since making a move from France, there may be some belief that Simon can make a similar impact in the Premier League.

Considering the appeal of the Premier League, it could also be argued that Leeds may have a chance of getting this signing done despite Nice’s interest, provided they make their move in time.

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£31.2m deal offered to Leeds star, agent will jet in for transfer talks today – report

Raphinha has been offered a five-year deal worth around £120,000-a-week by Chelsea after a fee was agreed to sign him from Leeds United, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reported via their print edition (30 June, page 71) that Chelsea will enter discussions with the 25-year-old’s agent Deco on Thursday after the £31.2million contract was offered to the Brazil international.

It is understood that Deco was in Spain on Wednesday (29 June) to see if Barcelona could match Chelsea’s offer for Raphinha, which currently stands at £55million plus add-ons.

Barca reportedly remain Raphinha’s favoured destination.

Hard to say no

It’s constantly being reported that Raphinha wants to join Barcelona above all other clubs.

However, unless the Barca top-brass find a miracle cure for their financial issues and are able to pay Leeds a fair price for the Brazil international, he’ll have to change his tune.

As it stands, Chelsea are the only club offering a decent whack for Raphinha.

Not only are Leeds getting a potentially decent fee for the Brazilian but Chelsea are also offering the former Rennes winger a massive contract that he more than deserves.

It seems, unfortunately for Leeds fans, that only Premier League clubs can afford him.

However, while a move to Chelsea isn’t Raphinha’s preferred move, it’s still probably the best possible for him out of those who are interested.

Arsenal have been widely reported to have made an unsuccessful bid for Raphinha but would he get Champions League football there? No, he wouldn’t. Not yet, anyway.

At Chelsea, he’ll probably be a regular starter and get to play in Europe’s top competition, which he gave up when he left Rennes for Leeds in 2020.

In other Leeds United news, this Leeds player has arrived in a European city to undergo a medical before leaving Elland Road permanently.

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Leeds United must beware the ?100m-plus traps awaiting them in the summer transfer window

Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal or whoever else fancies a go at the 11th hour. Raphinha’s Leeds United transfer saga is surely entering its endgame.

As his appointment with Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport looms, the Brazil international has to be twisting Deco’s arm for a decision. Chelsea may have flashed the most cash so far, but this is a narrative which seems to change by the phone call.

Assuming this does not rumble on for several more weeks, cutting into valuable recruitment time of their own, Leeds can only benefit from the jostling to buy Raphinha’s signature. The bidding should end up beyond ?60m and leave the Whites with a healthy kitty.

When the Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha fees are combined, Leeds will see their coffers boosted by more than ?100m. That’s a major injection of cash and its reinvestment is critical for the prospects of United in the forthcoming campaign.

A midfielder, winger and striker will be on the shopping list once Raphinha’s transfer is dealt with. Victor Orta knows he has to replace quality with quality in this side if they are to sail well clear of last term’s 17th-placed finish.

This is the business model Andrea Radrizzani has advertised on many occasions, the Leicester City approach. The talent has been homegrown or recruited, polished, honed and sold for big profits.

The next phase is beginning that cycle again, finding more value in the market and trying, against all the odds, to find someone else of Raphinha’s quality for less than ?20m. The football world knows Leeds have this money burning a hole in their pocket, however.

The transfer rumours are only going in one direction. Agents and clubs will use Leeds to their advantage in the market. More names and more bids to move transfers in their own favour.

Aside from the spurious stories linking Leeds with every man and his Palm Angels sliders, Orta must be wary of prices rising when he calls. As is the case with any clubs known to be looking to spend, it can be easy for sellers to push up their premiums.

Release clauses will be the director of football’s friend, but when it comes to outright negotiations on prices, Orta has to know when Leeds are being taken advantage of.

Major Leeds exit to be finalised as official announcement likely on July 1 – report

Kalvin Phillips will reportedly complete his Leeds United exit to join Manchester City on Friday, July 1.

According to the Daily Mail, the England international will be one of two high-profile departures this summer with Raphinha being the other one.

Leeds will be making north of £100million from the sales of the two players while Phillips is expected to be announced in two days.

Summer of change

The Whites knew that once the window opened their players were going to be hot property in the market and both their main assets will now be leaving.

Despite having an injury-ravaged season, Phillips has commanded interest from the Premier League champions and will complete a move there very soon.

No Leeds fan will hold it against him and will be proud of him as he’s earned his move to the Etihad Stadium.

His performances since promotion have been exceptional and they’ve earned him plaudits as well as a spot in the England team.

We back him to be a success under Pep Guardiola and cannot wait to see the player he becomes under the Spaniard when he hits his prime.

It is going to be very important that Victor Orta quickly lines up replacements for both Phillips and Raphinha as they’re the two best players in the team.

The Leeds director may need to work overtime because time is never enough in the transfer window and ideally, they should be with the club before they play their first pre-season game.

In other Leeds United news, the club have now opened talks with an ‘Incredible’ title-winning central midfielder to replace Kalvin Phillips.

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‘We are told’ – Dharmesh Sheth: Leeds player headed for medical as transfer suggestion dropped

Manchester City are unlikely to face any issues agreeing personal terms with Kalvin Phillips and getting the Leeds United star to pass a medical, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

Leeds have reportedly agreed to sell Phillips, 26, to the Premier League champions in a deal worth up to £50million.

Sky Sports News journalist Sheth suggests that Phillips snubbed interest from Manchester United ahead of his proposed move to Man City, which is still subject to a medical and finalising personal terms.

Speaking on the latest episode of Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast (29 June), Sheth said: “Deal agreed on this one. City will pay, we think, between £45million and £50million for Kalvin Phillips.

“As we record this, it’s not officially completed.

“Phillips will still need to do a medical and finalise personal terms but there’s not predicted to be any kind of issue with this deal going through.”

Sheth added: “Phillips did have interest from a number of other Premier League clubs.

“But we are told, out of loyalty to Leeds United, City was the only club he was going to join.

“When we hear the words ‘out of loyalty to Leeds United’, maybe there was another certain club that was interested that wouldn’t have pleased the Leeds fans, had he gone there.

“Another club in Manchester, potentially.”

Bittersweet

It’s hard to accept that Phillips probably won’t be a Leeds player in just a few weeks’ time.

We might never see the England midfielder in Leeds’ colours again with it looking increasingly likely that he’ll be joining Man City.

Phillips has been an absolute hero for the club and for the city in recent years.

Under Marcelo Bielsa, he was easily the best player at Elland Road and he was also England’s player of the year in 2021 as they reached a major final for the first time since 1966.

Phillips has what it takes to be one of the best midfielders in the world but he’ll never get the credit for that at Elland Road.

At Man City, he’ll win titles, he’ll play in Europe, he’ll play with some of the best players the game has to offer and for one of the best managers the sport has ever produced.

Phillips deserves this big move to Man City – it’s just hard to accept that it looks as though it’ll happen within a matter of days.

We’re all going to wish the Yorkshire Pirlo all the best at the Etihad.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t play too well at Elland Road in the future when Man City play against Leeds.

In other Leeds United news, this Leeds player has arrived in a European city to undergo a medical before leaving Elland Road permanently.

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Wednesday, 29 June 2022

Leeds traffic recap for M62, M621, M1, and A1 including closures, accidents and roadworks

Welcome to our Leeds traffic news blog with live updates for the M62, M621, M1, and A1 and across the city.

Here you’ll find live updates on traffic accidents and delays on the roads near you, with updates from National Highways, West Yorkshire Police and our traffic partners INRIX.

Scroll down for the latest traffic news including road works and diversions, road closures and live updates on train services, buses and other public transport in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

For more traffic and travel news from across Leeds, click here .

Our reporters will be keeping a close eye on the roads across the morning rush hour, throughout the day, the evening rush hour and into the evening.

Want to let us know about an incident causing problems near you? If you can do so safely, tweet @leedslivenews or contact us on Facebook here.

To get the latest email updates from LeedsLive, click here .

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12:24Megan Banner

Traffic returned to normal on Lisbon Street

Traffic returned to normal on Lisbon Street at Wellington Street.

11:46Megan Banner

Bus service in Bramley has returned to normal

11:08Megan Banner

LBA hits 1 million passengers this year

10:42Megan Banner

Traffic returned to normal on A643 Northbound at A58

Traffic returned to normal on A643 Northbound at A58.

09:02Megan Banner

Bus services diverting due to accident on Savins Mill Way in Kirkstall

09:00Megan Banner

Traffic returned to normal on M62 near Gildersome

Traffic has returned to normal on M62 Westbound at J27 M621 (Gildersome).

07:14Megan Banner

Travel time 25-minutes on M62 near Gildersome this morning

Heavy traffic on M62 Eastbound from J26 M606 (Chain Bar) to J27 M621 (Gildersome).

Congestion to J25 (Brighouse).

In the roadworks area.

Travel time is around 25 minutes.

06:47Megan Banner

A657 Upper Town Street in both directions closed until July 1

A657 Upper Town Street in both directions closed due to water main work between Broad Lane and Bell Lane.

Until July 1.

06:32Megan Banner

Traffic lights not working this morning on A6120 Selby Road

Traffic lights not working this morning on A6120 Selby Road at M1 J46 (Leeds Colton / Garforth). Approach with care.

Traffic light failure at the junction.

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Leeds to get ‘crucial’ multi-million pound investment in 2023 that will leave a ‘lasting legacy’ of history and hidden stories

Leeds 2023 has been awarded over ?2.1m that will be “crucial” in developing creative projects, and show the history and hidden stories across the city.

Leeds 2023 was one of seven projects nationally to share ?13.7million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aimed at supporting nature, communities and cultural recovery post-pandemic.

For the project, Leeds Culture Trust received ?2,120,130, and it will be used to unearth individual and community-based stories, bringing them to life in original and engaging ways.

A spokesperson for Leeds 2023 said stories are already emerging across the city, including Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley which has been working with poet Matt Abbott to explore the hidden stories of the Mill and its local communities which has led to new poetry being created and readings at the Mill.

In Otley, a series of craft workshops “The Day The Elephants Came to Town” started from an historical event that took place in the popular market town. Storyteller and artist Vickie Orton researched and uncovered new facts, working with community groups to give the story a new lease of life.

Photographers Lens Lab Leeds have also been working with faith communities in Leeds, including Mill Hill Chapel in central Leeds, United Hebrew Congregation in Shadwell and the Al Hassan Centre in Harehills, to start exploring faith and faith-based spaces in the city.

They hope that the stories will attract visitors and engage audiences to experience Leeds in new ways.

Lens Lab Leeds at an event at Mill Hill Chapel
(Image: Leeds 2023)

LEEDS 2023 Creative Director and CEO, Kully Thiarai, said: “The LEEDS 2023 team is delighted to have been awarded this latest funding which will play a crucial role in developing these original and exciting projects. As an organisation we are absolutely committed to revealing and celebrating the diverse stories and the great heritage of our fantastic city. One of our greatest strengths is our diversity and this project helps to amplify all those voices and celebrate our differences.

She added: “This funding is a huge show of confidence in LEEDS 2023. We are getting ready to deliver an exciting and uplifting programme that will delight audiences of all ages and backgrounds, but that will also leave a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Heritage is so much more than just buildings, statues or artifacts and we want to celebrate the people and the communities that have helped to shape Leeds into this amazing city.”

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Being home to many diverse and vibrant stories, Leeds has a heritage that is very much deserving of a celebration like Leeds 2023. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we’re delighted to be supporting this fantastic programme that truly puts people at its heart, and will share the city’s amazing heritage far and wide. We know that heritage is a great way of bringing people together and creating a sense of pride of place, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how that all comes together at Leeds 2023.”

Woman ‘dragged by her hair’ after partner beaten close to Halton Moor boxing club in Leeds refused event licence by council

A woman was dragged across a garden by her hair after witnessing her partner suffer a “sustained” beating, a public hearing has been told.

The assaults, which took place close to Halton Moor Boxing Club in east Leeds, left one of the victims with “potentially life-changing injuries,” according to police. Now, the boxing club has been refused a licence to host an upcoming event, after the authorities linked the venue to the attacks, which happened in the early hours of October 17 last year.

Police said there was a “cloud of fear” hanging over the club, on Cartmell Drive, which left members reluctant to help with the investigation. Multiple arrests have been made, but no-one has been charged over the incident.

In a written submission ahead of a licensing hearing on Tuesday, the club’s secretary strongly denied any link between the venue and the attack. She accused the police of being “judgmental” and “prejudicial” towards members in its enquiries, which remain ongoing.

Speaking to councillors at the hearing, PC Andy Clifford from West Yorkshire Police’s licensing department, told how a number of Polish men had entered the club on the night of the incident and tried to buy a drink.

After a conversation between them started in Polish, it was said that “the mood changed” and they were assaulted by people at the venue, where a boxing event had taken place that evening. The men departed the club, but one returned inside after realising he’d left his coat and house keys behind.

PC Clifford said: “He’s been met by people from the club and the assault has continued at a residential address which is essentially next door.

“The assault has been a sustained beating where there’s been really serious injuries – fractured jaw, fractured eye sockets. There’s been a lot of surgery involved and potentially life-changing injuries.”

PC Clifford said the victim’s partner, who lived nearby, was woken by the commotion and went to the scene, adding: “She’s been assaulted for coming out and seeing what’s happened and been dragged by her hair across a garden.”

PC Clifford described the boxing club’s secretary as “pleasant but unwilling to help in any meaningful way.”

He told councillors: “There’s almost a suggestion that people don’t want to speak to the police, because they don’t want to be seen speaking to the police, because of the area that they live in.

“They don’t want to put their families at risk. There’s a cloud of fear over the club where if something happens it’s dealt with internally and it’s ‘do not speak to the police’.

“For me that’s unacceptable. You can’t have injuries where someone’s had their jaw broken in the incident. It’s linked to the club.”

Asked by Councillor Alice Smart if the victims’ nationality was a factor in the attacks, PC Clifford replied: “One of the victims said in their statement that when they started speaking in Polish that was when the mood changed.

“I’m not sure if they were going as far as to say they were attacked because they were Polish, but they did say certainly when they spoke Polish that changed things and the assault then happened.”

No-one from Halton Moor Boxing Club attended Tuesday’s hearing.

However, in a redacted written submission sent ahead of the hearing, club secretary Rachel Radbourne said: “On Saturday October 17 I was present at the event all night, we had three security operatives…and there were no issues at all.

“I do recall three very intoxicated males, that were not members of the club, nor had they attended the boxing show that had finished at that time, entered the club uninvited.

“They were refused alcohol at the bar as they were so intoxicated and were asked to leave. I believe that these three males are the same individuals that the police are referring to.

“Neither myself, any club member nor the security operatives present witnessed any assault or public disorder incident within the club or immediately outside the club premises.”

Following deliberations however, the panel of three councillors refused the club’s application for a temporary licence to host a single day event. In a joint statement read to the hearing, the committee said they were “extremely concerned at the apparent lack of assistance provided by the club to the police in their investigation following the incident.”

Leeds traffic news for M62, M621, M1, and A1 including closures, accidents and roadworks

Welcome to our Leeds traffic news blog with live updates for the M62, M621, M1, and A1 and across the city.

Here you’ll find live updates on traffic accidents and delays on the roads near you, with updates from National Highways, West Yorkshire Police and our traffic partners INRIX.

Scroll down for the latest traffic news including road works and diversions, road closures and live updates on train services, buses and other public transport in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

For more traffic and travel news from across Leeds, click here .

Our reporters will be keeping a close eye on the roads across the morning rush hour, throughout the day, the evening rush hour and into the evening.

Want to let us know about an incident causing problems near you? If you can do so safely, tweet @leedslivenews or contact us on Facebook here.

To get the latest email updates from LeedsLive, click here .

Download the LeedsLive app – You can download our free app for iPhone and iPad from the Apple App Store , or get the Android version from Google Play .

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View: Leeds could seal perfect replacement for Kalvin Phillips despite Monday update

Leeds United are in a rebuilding phase after a difficult campaign where they were involved in a fierce relegation battle.

One of the names they’ve been linked with is young Swansea midfielder Flynn Downes to bolster options in the middle of the park with Kalvin Phillips on the verge of his move to Manchester City.

However, as per Wales Online on Monday [27 June], the Whites have not submitted an offer for the young midfielder in the ongoing transfer window.

The reports suggest that Leeds are facing competition from the likes of Southampton, Crystal Palace and Wolves who are also interested in the midfield

Good option

Downes was one of the standout performers for Swansea City in the recently concluded campaign where he featured 37 times and had three-goal contributions. He played 71% of the overall Championship minutes for the club [Transfermarkt].

In the Championship, the 23-year-old averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 1.1 clearances per game and had a pass completion rate of 92.6% [Whoscored].

Those numbers are a testament to why he is highly rated and why he is being scouted by a number of clubs as suggested in the report.

With Phillips certain to leave the club, it was expected that Leeds were eager to make a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams.

But a recent report suggests that deal is off as of now as the German club are not interested in negotiations with Leeds.

Even if that deal does not go through, the Whites must make a move for Downes who will prove to be an excellent acquisition for any club.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle

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Local journo issues £25.8m Leeds transfer update after what he heard recently

Beren Cross does not believe that Leeds United have indeed submitted an official bid for Porto winger Otavio in the last few days.

Portuguese news outlet OJOGO reported on June 22 that a bid in the region £25.8million for the 27-year-old as Leeds look to sign a right winger.

He is understood to have a £51.7million release clause at the Portuguese club, but the LeedsLive reporter has claimed that no bid has gone in for him.

When asked about the bid being made on the Q&A, he wrote, “Not as far as I’m aware.”

Way too costly

One can understand the sentiment behind replacing Raphinha as he’s arguably the best player at the club and has the ability to win games singlehandedly.

However, they cannot afford to pay that much for a 27-year-old who’s not even proven in the Premier League.

He may have decent numbers in Portugal, three goals and 13 assists for Porto in the 2021/22 season, but the English top flight is an entirely different ball game.

If Leeds are going for overseas players, then it’s ones like Noa Lang who they should target as they’ve proven themselves in the Champions League as well against the best of teams.

It will also depend on how much they can get from Raphinha’s sale as that will decide the quality of player they eventually want to sign this summer.

As of now, Otavio does not seem a genuine target and we think it should stay that way until his valuation reduces.

In other Leeds United news, the club have now opened talks with an ‘Incredible’ title-winning central midfielder to replace Kalvin Phillips.

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Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Why Man City have to wait to seal Kalvin Phillips’s transfer from Leeds United

Silence from Manchester City and Leeds United has been deafening since news broke of a transfer agreement for Kalvin Phillips on Friday. The agreement granted the Premier League champions permission to formally discuss terms with the England international.

However, in the football world transfers are rarely played to the book like that and City are likely to have heard positive noises from Phillips’s camp before an offer was even made. There is no denying Pep Guardiola’s side is one of the very few options Phillips would have been keen to explore away from Elland Road.

Four days after the clubs reportedly agreed on a fee there is still no news on the midfielder’s future, but there are no doubts this move will happen. Phillips is away on holiday and before the bid was made his planned return date was June 30.

Unless the 26-year-old brings that date forward to seal the move, there may not be progress on a medical until the end of this week. Finalising personal terms is not expected to prove any issue with the club and player keen to push the move through.

With City scheduled to begin pre-season training in the second week of July, there is still plenty of time for Phillips to be pictured in blue before his new team-mates hit the grass and their tour in the USA.

Meanwhile, Leeds can press on in the knowledge they have a significantly boosted transfer budget with which to find Phillips’s replacement in midfield. Victor Orta is also chasing a striker and winger, should Raphinha follow Phillips out of Elland Road as expected.

Exclusive: Leeds set to table blockbuster official bid for new transfer in coming days

Leeds United are readying their first bid for Club Brugges star Charles De Ketelaere in the coming days, according to Alexandre Braeckman.

The RTL Sport journalist, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, shared that the Whites are set to table a proposal worth up to €30million [£25.8million].

It is shared that Brugges are expecting up to €40million [£34.5million] though, a deal that would smash the current Belgian League record fee for outgoing players.

Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Braeckman shared what to expect from both parties: “Leeds is about to submit a first €30m bid, it could be done in the next days, but I can’t tell exactly when.

“Bruges is expecting €40m, they know they could have a huge amount of money for this player. It could easily be the biggest transfer of the Belgian football (currently €27m for Jonathan David, from Gent to Lille).”

No messing around.

Victor Orta knew that Leeds were crying out for a new centre-forward, and it looks as though he has found his man.

After attempts to sign the likes of Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, Leeds took a step back and were patient in their pursuit until identifying big targets such as De Ketelaere.

It is all about whether or not the Whites can now persuade the Belgian superstar to move to Elland Road, with Champions League football already available and AC Milan also sniffing around.

With a first official bid coming in days, Leeds are clearly looking to be first on the table as they try to gain an advantage of talking to De Ketelaere and Brugges without competition.

It will be interesting to see what happens, but based on this, it looks as though that Leeds may need to up this first bid if they want to seriously bring De Ketelaere to West Yorkshire.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle

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Phil Hay shares how many new signings Leeds could make from Raphinha & Phillips money

Phil Hay has shared that Leeds United can see themselves bringing in three more new signings should Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha leave this summer.

The Athletic journalist has reported that a new winger, striker and midfielder would join Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca by coming in at Elland Road.

Phillips is on the verge of joining Manchester City this week with everything agreed, while Raphinha’s saga continues to drag on between numerous clubs.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Hay shared what he expects through the door at Elland Road should the worst scenario happen sooner rather than later.

“The baton is passing on other positions, such as right-back with the arrival of Rasmus Kristensen, and numbers are increasing,” he wrote.

“The way they see it at Elland Road, Phillips and Raphinha moving on could mean a total of six players coming in: Kristensen, Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca have already signed, a midfielder, a winger and a forward to follow.”

Get it done.

If we could also bring in another left-back and goalkeeper, it would be a very good summer.

Of course, an experienced option in both of those areas may not cost much and they likely won’t play many times, but having that depth is a luxury we haven’t had for far too long.

Ben Foster has been mentioned, and the former Watford man is the perfect example as a free agent.

A new striker, as well as replacements for our two main men, will be needed, everyone knows that and Victor Orta is already getting to work before those exits have been confirmed.

MOT Leeds News have been exclusively told that a bid for Club Brugges star Charles De Ketelaere will be submitted within days, and that would be an amazing signing.

That would be a brilliant start, but we still need to directly replace Phillips and Raphinha if and when they do leave, although they will be very fondly remembered.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle

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Live Leeds traffic news for M62, M621, M1, and A1 including closures, accidents and roadworks

Welcome to our Leeds traffic news blog with live updates for the M62, M621, M1, and A1 and across the city.

Here you’ll find live updates on traffic accidents and delays on the roads near you, with updates from National Highways, West Yorkshire Police and our traffic partners INRIX.

Scroll down for the latest traffic news including road works and diversions, road closures and live updates on train services, buses and other public transport in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

For more traffic and travel news from across Leeds, click here .

Our reporters will be keeping a close eye on the roads across the morning rush hour, throughout the day, the evening rush hour and into the evening.

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Ex-Spurs man gives Kalvin Phillips transfer fee verdict as Leeds United man nears Man City move

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara reckons Manchester City are paying a “fair price” for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips after it emerged to two sides had agreed to a ?42m transfer fee. The England international now looks set to depart Elland Road where he has spent the majority of his career to link up with Pep Guardiola and the Premier League champions.

Previously, there had been talk Phillips might cost around the ?50m mark, with Leeds desperate to keep ahold of their star midfielder. However, last week it emerged the Whites and Man City had agreed to terms over the 26-year-old midfielder.

With two-years left on his contract, it arguably makes sense for Leeds to sell Phillips now.

While Phillips was reportedly open to extending his stay at Elland Road, there was still a chance the 26-year-old could depreciate heavily in value if he stayed at Leeds with one-year left on his deal heading into the season after next.

And speaking alongside host Laura Woods, talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara reckons Leeds have gotten a good price for their star midfielder.

Read the full transcript of their conversation below…

Jamie O’Hara: “I think ?42m is a fair price. I think he is a top player, an international, but has he played Champions League football? Has he been in the Premier League for a number of years?

Laura Woods: “I mean he’s played in a final at a EURO.

JO’H: “Yeah I get he’s got that and he’s got star quality but I mean why does it have to be astronomical prices all the time just because you’ve played a few games for your country.

LW: “The value to Leeds? Is it that? He had two years left on his contract, is his value to Leeds higher than ?42m to try and replace him do you think?

JH: “Well, we will see won’t we with the player they bring in. I think he’s a really good player, I think it’s a great signing. He’s had some injuries, I think that probably hurt the transfer fee as well.

“They’ll argue over the fact he’s had a bad injury and didn’t really get properly going last season so it’s a good signing. Solid signing.”

Leeds player has less than 2 weeks to seal transfer exit if he is set on leaving – Beren Cross

Raphinha has less than two weeks to seal a transfer from Leeds United if he is set on going, according to Leeds Live’s Beren Cross.

The Brazilian has been long thought to be set on a move to Barcelona, but with that failing to materialise it seems he and his agent Deco have turned their attentions to Premier League suitors.

Arsenal opened the bidding but Tottenham and Chelsea are also in the race, and if he is intent on making the step up to play in Europe he will want to bring an end to his transfer saga soon.

The Whites are due to make a pre-season trip to Australia in July which would both hamper a potential move to one of the interested clubs, and would mean a lot of travelling in order to prepare for the upcoming season with a team he isn’t expected to be in.

Cross wrote for Leeds Live on Monday (27 June): “The Whites are set to fly out to Australia at the back end of the second week in July.

“If Raphinha, no stranger to long-haul flights, does not fancy the best part of 24 hours travelling in the air to the other side of the world with a club he has no long-term plans for, then he has less than two weeks to get this move done.

“Jesse Marsch and United expect the Brazilian to be present and correct for that tour Down Under if he remains their player on that date.

“The trip there does not of course then preclude clubs from bidding while he is away, but that distance from Europe will hardly aid a swift transfer.”

Deadline

The entire situation has hardly worked in favour of the 25 year old star, as his expected move to the Camp Nou stalled thanks to issues on their end.

Now he faces the prospect of being rushed into a move to an alternative or else have to put in considerable time and energy to the Whites pre-season travels.

To his credit he appears to have conducted himself well throughout the transfer speculation, remaining committed to the team during the relegation battle, and not making a scene since the season ended.

He has demonstrated a connection to the club that makes it impossible to entirely rule out the prospect that if the deal he wants doesn’t come together in time that he throws himself into the United preparations with full force.

In many ways that would be the ideal outcome for fans, and although his contract would be six months shorter, should he perform strongly at the World Cup in the winter, he may be in even greater demand come January.

The club and the supporters either want the talented winger in the squad or a hefty fee if he has to go, and with the first concrete bid a low-ball offering from the Emirates it doesn’t bode especially well for either.

The next two weeks will therefore be crucial to his short-term future.

In other Leeds United news, the club have been tipped to spend another £100million and more to address the shortcomings in the squad.

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Monday, 27 June 2022

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United in tray as squad return for pre-season

The Leeds United squad will report for duty this morning to begin their preparations for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign. The season will kick off in just six weeks’ time when the Whites host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road and Jesse Marsch will be keen to make his mark on the squad after steering them to safety last month.

The club will spend a chunk of pre-season on tour in Australia, where they will take on Brisbane Roar, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, while they are expected to play a couple more friendlies over the course of next month.

Marsch has plenty of work to do between now and the start of the season and while his players are expected to return to training in relatively good shape, he’ll hope to have them fit and firing in preparation for the season ahead. With the start of pre-season in mind, here’s a look at some of the key jobs facing Marsch over the next few weeks.

Build confidence

As they slipped down the league table last season, the Whites looked bereft of belief and confidence. Defeats to the likes of Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea seemed inevitable and at times it looked as though the club were destined for the drop.

Four points from the last two games proved enough in the end to secure safety and the relief at the full-time whistle at the Brentford Community Stadium was there for all to see. Marsch must build on that feeling in the coming weeks and instill a strong mentality into his players.

They’ve sent a message with their business in the transfer window so far and while Kalvin Phillips’ expected departure is a blow, the club are looking to make a few more additions in the weeks and months to come. Marsch has shown he is an upbeat individual and if that attitude can rub off on his team, Leeds could enter the new season brimming with confidence.

Settle on a best XI

Marsch had one job when he arrived at Elland Road at the end of February following the dismissal of Marcelo Bielsa and that was to secure the club’s Premier League status. He always going to take time to get to grips with his squad, but as the season wore on, he began to chop and change his side with regularity.

The formation was altered as Leeds switched from four at the back to three, while players were pulled in and out of the starting line-up as the head coach looked to get points on the board by any means possible. Both Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood got starts in the middle of the park, while Mateusz Klich and Rodrigo were in and out of the side.

From the outside looking in, it looked as though Marsch was struggling to figure out his best team. As such, he’ll be keen to find consistency in selection moving forward in the hope of building up a reliable and stable side.

Fix injury issues

Leeds were amongst the hardest hit for injuries in the Premier League last season and Marsch will be doing all he can to avoid a similar record next time around. Of course, misfortune was to blame for a lot of the Whites’ problems, but they have been proactive in their bid to limit further injuries.

The club have signed up to use Zone7 next season, alongside the likes of Liverpool and Rangers. The artificial intelligence platform will hopefully help to highlight the risk of injury and help the club manage their squad better throughout the toughest periods of the year.

If Leeds are to avoid another relegation battle next season, they’ll need to keep their best players on the park and Marsch, who believed his players were ‘overtrained’ under Bielsa, will be doing all he can to prevent the treatment room filling up.

Make decisions on youngsters

The Whites have a handful of players who are reaching that awkward point between the under-21s side and the first-team. The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Charlie Cresswell and Sam Greenwood are now considered too strong for the youth ranks and are in desperate need of game time at a first-team level.

Marsch spoke about giving chances to his best young stars towards the end of last season, but that becomes harder when the team is at full strength. As such, a decision needs to be made about whether they are ready to be advanced into a first-team position this season, or whether they would be best served spending time away from Elland Road on loan.

The aforementioned trio wouldn’t be short of options at a high level if they were to be made available, but Marsch may have other plans for them.

Leeds now locked in talks as they ready blockbuster bid to seal major new transfer – report

Leeds United are now locked in talks with Club Brugge over a potential deal to sign Charles De Ketelaere, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper has reported in their print edition [27 June, pg. 63], that the two clubs are in dialogue as the Whites prepare a bid for the Belgian superstar.

It is shared that Leeds could bid up to £26million as they prepare to test the water over a potential blockbuster transfer in the coming weeks.

Simon Jones shared his daily Window Watch in the Daily Mail today [27 June], and shared the latest coming from Elland Road as they look for more reinforcements.

“Leeds are in talks with Bruges over a £26million move for forward Charles De Ketelaere,” he wrote.

Get it done.

The hard part of any potential deal for De Ketelaere may not be persuading Club Brugges to part with their star man, with good money being put on the table.

Problems could arise when trying to persuade the actual player to make the move.

De Ketelaere and his entourage are said to have made contact with Leeds already to inform them that they don’t particularly fancy a move to Elland Road, so something will need to be done about that [Alexandre Braeckman].

Anything can happen in football, and when the money of a Premier League cub is put on the table, a player can quickly look at that and change their minds immediately.

If anyone can work their magic in talks, it would be Victor Orta, and Andrea Radrizzani will be hoping that his right-hand man can make all of the difference here.

Leeds are going all-in this transfer window, and this would be a huge addition – fingers crossed.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle

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Leeds traffic recap for M62, M621, M1, and A1 including closures, accidents and roadworks

Welcome to our Leeds traffic news blog with live updates for the M62, M621, M1, and A1 and across the city.

Here you’ll find live updates on traffic accidents and delays on the roads near you, with updates from National Highways, West Yorkshire Police and our traffic partners INRIX.

Scroll down for the latest traffic news including road works and diversions, road closures and live updates on train services, buses and other public transport in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

For more traffic and travel news from across Leeds, click here.

Our reporters will be keeping a close eye on the roads across the morning rush hour, throughout the day, the evening rush hour and into the evening.

Want to let us know about an incident causing problems near you? If you can do so safely, tweet @leedslivenews or contact us on Facebook here.

To get the latest email updates from LeedsLive, click here .

Download the LeedsLive app – You can download our free app for iPhone and iPad from the Apple App Store , or get the Android version from Google Play .

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Live Leeds traffic news for M62, M621, M1, and A1 including closures, accidents and roadworks

Welcome to our Leeds traffic news blog with live updates for the M62, M621, M1, and A1 and across the city.

Here you’ll find live updates on traffic accidents and delays on the roads near you, with updates from National Highways, West Yorkshire Police and our traffic partners INRIX.

Scroll down for the latest traffic news including road works and diversions, road closures and live updates on train services, buses and other public transport in Leeds and across Yorkshire.

For more traffic and travel news from across Leeds, click here .

Our reporters will be keeping a close eye on the roads across the morning rush hour, throughout the day, the evening rush hour and into the evening.

Want to let us know about an incident causing problems near you? If you can do so safely, tweet @leedslivenews or contact us on Facebook here.

To get the latest email updates from LeedsLive, click here .

Download the LeedsLive app – You can download our free app for iPhone and iPad from the Apple App Store , or get the Android version from Google Play .

Leeds set for huge new transfer meeting as £65m saga set to take new twist – Fabrizio Romano

Leeds United are set for yet another meeting with Arsenal over the future of Raphinha in the next week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Transfer Guru has reported that the Whites will once again demand £65million for the Brazilian, who is wanted by numerous clubs in the Premier League and Europe.

Barcelona are yet to make a fresh bid, with Spurs and Chelsea in talks with agents over making a potential move for the Elland Road superstar this summer.

Writing on his personal Twitter account late on Sunday evening [27 June], Romano yet again shared the latest on the future of the Brazilian at Elland Road.

“Raphinha deal,” he wrote. “Arsenal have already scheduled a meeting with Leeds next week – Leeds will ask again for £65m fee.

“Barcelona still in contact with Deco after personal terms agreed, but no fresh bid yet.

“Tottenham and Chelsea, still in talks with agents. Race still open.”

Huge.

Arsenal were simply told last week that they wouldn’t be lowballing Raphinha out of Leeds.

The Whites stood firm when the derisory offer came their way for the Brazilian, and the Gunners will have to stump up the cash if they want their man.

After the backlash on the agreed Kalvin Phillips fee of only £45million from Manchester City was packed with anger, to say the least, Andrea Radrizzani will have learned his lesson.

With Barcelona, Chelsea and Spurs sniffing, it could force Arsenal to simply take action and pay that fee – something that could then be bettered by the chasing pack.

The situation with Raphinha appears to change every single day at Elland Road, but with more meetings this week, it is clear that a solution could be found very soon.

This is one to keep a very close eye on as it appears to change every hour of every day, but one thing for sure is that we are edging ever closer to yet another huge-name exit.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle

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Sunday, 26 June 2022

Danny Mills issues Leeds United verdict as Kalvin Phillips’ move to Man City edges closer

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes the sale of Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City will leave a gaping hole in the side heading into next season.

Phillips, 26, is edging ever closer to agreeing a deal with the current Premier League champions, with the fee thought to be in the region of ?42m.

The Three Lions international will join fellow summer signing Erling Haaland at the Etihad, as City look to bolster all areas of their squad heading into the 22/23 campaign.

Mills, who spoke to Sky Sports News earlier this morning, believes the Whites will have to act both quickly and smartly in order to secure a suitable like-minded midfielder this summer.

“To replace him at Leeds will be very very difficult,” began the 45-year-old. “I watched a lot of games when they were in the Championship and again last season when Leeds were having a difficult spell and Kalvin [Phillips] wasn’t in the team.

“He leaves a huge gap in that midfield, he’s an exceptional player, his experience is vital and he was almost the glue that held Leeds together an awful lot. They are going to have to move on and find a younger, talented player for that sort of money to try and replace him. That’s not going to be easy.”

Agent plans to force solution after Leeds make ‘outrageous’ demands for first-team star- report

Raphinha’s agent Deco will look to “force a solution” between Leeds and Barcelona after Arsenal stepped up their interest in the Brazilian, according to Sport.

A report by The Athletic [June 25] claims that Arsenal have moved to the front of the queue in the race for the 25-year-old and will make a new bid this coming week.

However according to Sport the player still prefers a move to the Camp Nou and his agent will look to close a deal between the parties as soon as possible so he gets his wish.

Barcelona are unwilling to pay a premium for the player, who had a £20m release clause in his Leeds contract in the event of relegation, but when they stayed in the Premier League the club were able to make their demands bigger and want between £50-60m.

The La Liga club see those demands as “outrageous” and despite Deco’s confidence of getting a deal done, they have reportedly told Angel Di Maria to wait on making a decision on his future.

Bidding War

If Leeds get their way, then they’ll have several clubs making moves for Raphinha this summer and that will ultimately end in Barcelona sealing the deal.

The player prefers a move to Spain and obviously for the club it would be better to lose their best player to a club they don’t have to face in domestic competition.

However the most important thing is undoubtedly to ensure they get properly compensated after helping Raphinha develop into one of Europe’s most sought after wingers over the last two years.

The club won’t stand in his way and if it’s a Premier League club like Arsenal that come in and match their valuation then so be it. There should be no discounts just because of preference.

It seems inevitable now that the club will lose both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, which was a disaster at the start of the window. But the club are moving well in the market and fans should be confident that the money will be reinvested and the squad strengthened if that happens.

In other Leeds news, club preference shared after latest update on blockbuster summer deal

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Roundhay Park in Leeds is ‘perfect’ and people return day after day to relax

Covering 700 cares of parkland with lakes and woodlands, cafes, playgrounds and the famous Tropical World, Roundhay Park is a gem for both residents and visitors to Leeds. Located three miles north of the city centre, the park is often full of families, children and older people out for a stroll.

In the summer sun it is beautiful and during the day it’s quite a peaceful experience. We went out to Roundhay during the 26C heat to have a wander and once again shout about the award-winning attraction.

We took to the park to not only show it off, because that’s necessary, but also to chat to some people where out and about.

Roundhay was stunning, the ducks and geese were around eating handfuls of breads from visitor’s hands, children were laughing and paying probably a little bit too much for an ice cream – hey it’s Summer – and there was a nice buzz in the air.

The park covers over 700 acres
(Image: LeedsLive)

LeedsLive spoke to a gentleman named David Eric, 72, who said he has been coming to Roundhay for years, despite living in Aberford.

We asked him why he is so fond of the beloved park, and he said: “I come here almost every day, I retired a couple of years ago from being a teacher and it’s nice to come and relax.

“I like a walk around, especially in the sun.”

“It’s been here such a long time, I hope it sticks around for the future generations too.”

Roundhay is one of the biggest city parks in Europe. It is owned by Leeds City Council and gathers almost one million people each year. The park is fraught with history dating back to the 11th century with William the Conqueror.

William granted the lands on which the park stands to an old Norman family named de Lacy, Ilbert de Lacy was given the lands for his support during William’s conquests to bring the northern parts of England under Norman control.

Ownership of the park continued to be passed on, in the 13th century it was used as a hunting park and then John of Gaunt gave it to his son Henry IV.

Through a series of marriages, the estate was passed on yet again. In 1803 it was sold to Thomas Nicholson. He took the northern part which then became the park itself.

I had a fabulous time in the sun
(Image: LeedsLive)

Over 10 years, ?15,000 was spent disguising the former industrial areas including coal mines and quarries by flooding them. The Mansion house which can be seen in the park was built between 1811 and 1826.

Following Nicholson’s death, the estate was given to his half-brother. Roundhay was then put up for sale and later purchased for ?139,000 by a group including the then Mayor of Leeds, John Barran.

After winning a competition, Leeds architect George Corson landscaped the park. Some parts of the estate were sold off for building plots but after the landscaping, the park reopened in 1872 to a crowd of 100,000 people.

A record crowd of 80,000 watched a rugby league sevens match between England and Australia in the park in 1933, won 29-11 by Australia. Plus, the area was once home to an open-air swimming pool

The park as it exists today is still very much as it was. However, with the addition of a cafe, playgrounds and Tropical World nearby it’s more of an attraction.

Roundhay often has events such as cricket, geology and canoeing. They also host sports events like the Dragon Boat races and triathlons.

Roundhay is great for many things, however, just a stroll can clear your head. Time are often hard for a lot of people and a little wander with the birds chirping and the wind slightly blowing can be a nice thing, with, or without other people.

If you’ve never visited, which would be surprising, it’s worth a detour outside the city – especially if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle for just a little bit.

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Thursday, 30 June 2022

Yes

No

Wednesday, 29 June 2022

Traffic returned to normal on Lisbon Street

Bus service in Bramley has returned to normal

LBA hits 1 million passengers this year

Traffic returned to normal on A643 Northbound at A58

Bus services diverting due to accident on Savins Mill Way in Kirkstall

Traffic returned to normal on M62 near Gildersome

Travel time 25-minutes on M62 near Gildersome this morning

A657 Upper Town Street in both directions closed until July 1

Traffic lights not working this morning on A6120 Selby Road

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Tuesday, 28 June 2022

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Monday, 27 June 2022

Build confidence

Settle on a best XI

Fix injury issues

Make decisions on youngsters

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Sunday, 26 June 2022

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