It wasn't the return to action that Leeds United would have hoped for.

A 2-0 defeat against Cardiff City saw the Whites miss an opportunity to go 10 points clear of third-place Fulham with eight games to go.

With a promotion six-pointer with the Cottagers coming up this weekend, efforts must be doubled to ensure that the current seven-point buffer is not reduced.

Matters on the field are focused on Saturday's clash, but matters in the boardroom are looking ahead to the summer transfer market.

Here's the latest news to come out of Elland Road.

'Pablo Hernandez must start' against Fulham

Michael Brown has said that Pablo Hernandez needs to start the weekend's clash with Fulham.

The playmaker missed the 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City at the weekend, but according the former midfielder, the experienced star needs to be involved for such a key game.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said: “With a player like him, you’ve got to say you want him on the pitch, you want him in that XI but only the in-house people will know how many minutes, can he be included straight away?

“It’s risk v reward with regards to pushing somebody for one game. I know it’s against a Fulham side who are very, very close, against Brentford suffered a poor result so they’ll be looking to get a result.

“You’ve got to be ready, you don’t want to lose them for longer. I don’t see too many changes, Bielsa will be trying to limit those – unless he sees something like he freshens it up in key areas.”

Ivan Toney 'wants summer transfer' amid Leeds United interest

Ivan Toney is determined to move on this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Peterborough United striker bagged 26 goals this season and unsurprisingly, is now attracting the attention of some quite reputable teams.

Leeds United are one of those clubs alongside the likes of Rangers, Celtic and West Brom.

Ian Poveda hoping for more first team opportunities

Ian Poveda has said that he has more to offer after making his Leeds United debut against Cardiff City.

The youngster arrived from Manchester City in January and looks set to play a big role for the Whites in the coming months - something that the winger is ready for.

Speaking to the club's website, Poveda said: “The result wasn’t the best, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity the manager gave me.

“I feel like I have a lot more to offer and I’m excited to keep improving and show what I can do.

“I’m learning and I know what I can do and I know what I can bring to the team and I’m just going to keep training hard and pushing on.

“I’ve definitely made progress, everyday I’m training and the coaches tell me little things to make me better and my teammates have been really supportive and I can’t thank them enough.

“We have good connections with everyone on the pitch, when I came on I was happy because I felt comfortable and the players trusted me when getting on the ball.

“Every day I just try and give 100 per cent and when you keep pushing in that way, you are only going to get better.

“It’s really important at this club that everyone works for everyone and when I see our first team players play, it motivates me because I see everyone giving their all for everyone.

“This is something Marcelo Bielsa has installed in us and in me, it is that fighting mentality and we all need each other, so that is what I really love.”