Leeds United boost ahead of Newcastle clash plus Magpies legend names striker he was 'desperate' to sign

Bamford was substituted in the 74th minute as Leeds were beaten 2-1 by the Hammers at Elland Road, courtesy of a late Angelo Ogbonna header.

Bielsa raised eyebrows on the eve of the game after he named his entire starting XI two days before the match, a decision he later defended.

"It would be incorrect if we thought that knowing the XI of the opponent gives you an important advantage; for me it doesn't give you an important advantage,” said Bielsa.

"So from now on to avoid any backlash, I will not continue to give answers on the players who can or cannot play on the weekends."

Despite those comments, Bielsa said Bamford, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season, will be available to face Newcastle.

Magpies should have signed Ings says Lee

Another striker who has been in form this season is Southampton’s Danny Ings.

Ings, 28, joined the Saints on loan from Liverpool in 2018 before making the move to St Mary’s permanent a year later.

Newcastle legend Rob Lee says he was 'desperate' for the Magpies to sign Ings at that time, despite the forward’s worrying injury record.

“Danny Ings, I was desperate for Newcastle to buy Danny Ings,” Lee told Football Fancast.

"He [Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhuttl] put his head on the block, he went and got him, and he’s been a revelation, an England player."

Advice for Sean Longstaff

Lee also commented on Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

“I’m very cynical when it comes to these sorts of things,” said Lee. “I’m sure Longstaff, in my opinion, is potentially a top-class player. He’s come in and done very, very well.

“Don’t listen to people saying [they can] get you here. Get your head down and play football, you’re playing for the club you love. You’re young. All those things will come to you.

“I think players have to realise, actually, it’s not the agent that gets them the move, it’s the player that gets the move.”

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