Ex-Leeds United striker 'made available' for £40m transfer as rivals dealt blow with striker three-game ban

The race for automatic promotion took another twist on Tuesday night as Southampton moved to within three points of Leeds United with a 3-0 victory over Preston North End.

The Saints fired in three goals in 14 first-half minutes to ensure a comfortable night on the south coast as the result all but ended Preston’s hopes of finishing in the Championship’s top six. Russell Martin’s side still have a game in hand over Leeds and have put themselves back into contention to finish second. If they win their game in hand, just two points will sit between fourth place and first position.

Leeds are back in action on Monday night at Middlesbrough, with Leicester City and Southampton in action on Saturday while Ipswich Town do not play as their original opponents, Coventry City, are taking part in the FA Cup semi-finals. Ahead of the weekend’s action, we have rounded up some of the latest news from Leeds and their rivals.

Mara banned for three games

Southampton striker Sekou Mara has been banned for three games after he was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the south coast side’s 3-2 win over Watford on Saturday as he appeared to strike opposing player Ryan Porteous.

The match officials missed the incident completely, meaning retrospective action was a possibility as the FA confirmed the ban on Tuesday. They wrote: "Southampton FC's Sekou Mara has been suspended for three matches following their Championship game against Watford on Saturday, April 13. The forward's behaviour in the 83rd minute was not seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on video and the FA alleged it constituted violent conduct. Sekou Mara subsequently admitted this charge against him and also accepted the automatic three-match suspension." 

Get a personalised Leeds United news round-up, as well as breaking news, when you sign up for our free Leeds United newsletter email. Mara started his ban against Preston on Tuesday and will miss Saturday’s trip to Cardiff City as well Tuesday’s huge clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. He will be back in contention for the final day clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

Nketiah ‘made available’ for £40m by Arsenal

Former Leeds United striker Eddie Nketiah is to be made available for transfer by Arsenal this summer but the London club will demand £40m for the player from any interested parties. That is according to HITC with West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Fulham and AFC Bournemouth all linked.

Nketiah came through the Arsenal academy and spent the first half of the 2019-20 season on loan at Leeds, making 19 appearances and scoring five goals before being recalled to the Emirates Stadium.