Leeds United news round-up: Stockdale wanted, Bulgarian targeted and manager appointed by weekend

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Stock rising

Leeds United are stepping up their pursuit of goalkeeper David Stockdale from Birmingham City this summer.

The Whites are in need of a new goalkeeper, after the poor form of Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan last season.

Stockdale, who is from Leeds, is now believed to be one of the favourites to get the gig, with his future no longer at Birmingham City.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the transfer listed 32-year-old has now become the number one target as the wait to see if Manchester City will allow Angus Gunn to join the Elland Road club on loan rumbles on.

Stockdale, who has been told he can leave Birmingham by former Leeds boss Garry Monk, started his career with Huddersfield Town and York City and would surely be tempted with a return to West Yorkshire this summer.

Teen target

It appears Stockdale is not the only goalkeeper being targeted by Leeds. They are also said to be in the running for Bulgarian talent Dimitar Sheytanov of Levski Sofia.

The 19-year-old is being targeted to join Leeds under-23 set-up, as reported by Sportal.

A deal is likely to be concluded toward the end of the month and the Bulgarian teenager would join a wealth of young goalkeeper talent at Elland Road – with Will Huffer, Harrison Male and Kamil Miazek also in the youth set-up.

Bielsa talks continue

Leeds are continuing to hold talks with Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa about becoming the club’s new manager. BBC Leeds is reporting that talks are ongoing between the club and the cult favourite head coach over a potentially eye-catching appointment.

Leeds sacked Paul Heckingbottom last week and, the BBC report suggests that the West Yorkshire club plan to have appointed a new manager by the end of this week so they can press forward with transfer plans and preparation for next season.