Leeds United Football Club News updated daily

December 96

31st December

Yeboah setback
Tony Yeboah has picked up a hamstring strain. The injury makes him doubtful for the trip to Newcastle tomorrow. Yeboah said: "The hamstring problem happened during the game at Old Trafford when I stretched for the ball about 20 minutes from the end. I came off straight away to avoid doing any more damage but I don't know if I will be fit in time for Newcastle. I really need games so it is frustrating for this to happen. But you are always likely to collect strains when you have been out for such a long time."

28th December

Quotes
Graham said: "When they scored I was a bit worried that it would open the floodgates, but I thought that our response was excellent. We have made life very difficult for a team who will be challenging for the championship, and we can take a lot from our performance, because I felt there were a lot of good individual displays out there. Perhaps we didn't do enough at the other end, but I won't criticise my players for that because you can't expect to come to Old Trafford and carve out a lot of chances." Graham refused to comment on reports that Yeboah is unhappy at Elland Road. He said: "Tony still isn't fit and looks a bit overweight, but that's one game under his belt and that's what he needs now. That was one of the pluses today and we can take something from this game. The spirit is good and I felt that there is a lot of positive signs to build on."
Result
ManU 1 Leeds 0

27th December

Quotes
Graham said: "We committed defensive suicide. It was a crazy 10 minutes which swung the whole game Coventry's way. Conceding three goals in 10 minutes was down to bad individual errors in defence. We could have been two or three up before Coventry scored. We had two free headers. Looking on the plus side I thought we matched their experienced midfield but it's back to the drawing board. A result like this spoils everyones Christmas."
Result
Leeds 1 Coventry 3
Fat bloke
A recent report in the Sun states Brolin has offered to pay part of the transfer fee that Parma will offer Leeds to re-sign him. Brolin apparently has a personal wealth of 2.5m - and he's prepared to pay 500k towards the 1.5m that Parma will offer, i.e. Parma will offer 1m plus 500k from Brolin.

23rd December

Haaland
Forest general manager Alan Hill has said that Leeds have enquired about the availability of Alf Inge Haaland. "Leeds have asked about Alfi, no more than that. No fee was mentioned at all," said Hill.
Martyn for England?
Speaking about Martyn's prospects for an England recall, Graham said, "In my opinion, Nigel should definitely be in the England squad. He was outstanding against Everton, even though he had not trained all week because he'd had the flu." Martyn replied, "It's down to the England coach to decide who's in his squad. But of course it's an ambition of mine to be involved with England again. I think any player would love that. All I can do is keep on playing as well as I can and to keep my fingers crossed."

22nd December

Graham on Everton
"We expected to be put under pressure and I definitely would have settled for a point before the game. But I fancied us to win it in the last five minutes when we had some good chances. Clean sheets give you confidence, but the fact that we carved out some really good opportunities was the most pleasing aspect."
Result
Everton 0 Leeds 0

20th December

Yeboah steps in line
Yeboah said: "I am fit and ready for selection. When that will be, I don't know. It is up to the manager. But I am happy to go along with whatever he decides."

19th December

Reserves
Yeboah scored for Leeds United reserves in a 3-3 draw with Manchester United. Yeboah completed the full 90 minutes and is in contention for a first team place against Everton on Saturday. Rod Wallace scored twice. Andy Gray also impressed.

18th December

Soltvedt update
Trond Egil Soltvedt has decided to stay in Norway after talks with the Rosenborg Trondheim board today. He was recently in Italy because of a possible move to Napoli, not on holiday as previously reported.
Info courtesy of Dag Ragnar Pettersen.

17th December

Belfast Telegraph
The paper reports that both Leeds and Everton are interested in talented 17 year old, Andy Kirk from local club Glentoran. They want him to sign for next season.

15th December

The Mail on Sunday
George Graham is reported to have made an Ł8million bid for AC Milan's Italian international striker Marco Simone. Although Graham has insisted that he will not be rushed into big-money transfers, talks about Simone have been held in the past few weeks and Italian sources say Leeds have faxed their bid. Milan's shock exit from the European Cup guarantees there will be a shake-up and the decision as to whether to part with Simone will be made by new coach Arrigo Sacchi, who quit as manager of Italy last month.
Graham on poor performance
He said: "By our standards that was not good enough. When you've got too many individuals having an off day you normally get beat, but fortunately we didn't lose today. Tottenham were the best side that's for sure. But when you are manager or coach you have got to look at the positive side of things and the positive thing today was that we didn't lose against the better side. Everybody has poor performances like that. You saw last week on the television Newcastle and Nottingham Forest when Forest were outstanding and they are near the bottom of the table. The main thing is we have to get back en-song and go at teams like we did against Chelsea and lift the fans to get them on our side." Graham singled out defensive trio Halle, Kelly and Radebe, who man marked Sheringham out of the game. He said: "They were the pick of my boys. I think Lucas is one of the best man markers in football, so I was delighted with the performance of all three considering there is so many individuals who had an off day."

14th December

Result
Leeds 0 Spurs 0

12th December

Hauptmann
Cologne captain Ralf Hauptmann, 28, may have sparked interest at Leeds after rejecting new contract talks. Hauptmann issued his "come and get me" plea after falling out with officials at Cologne.
Graham on Yeboah's "frustration"
He said today: "I am not treating Tony's remarks too seriously. It is all down to frustration because he has been out for so long, the team has put a good little run together and he wants to be part of it. Everyone at the club is delighted Tony is nearly fit again. Of course we all want him back. We don't want to take a chance with his fitness and risk another long spell on the sidelines. That is why I am quite surprised by his comments. We are hoping his latest injury is not too serious and that he will be fit for a run-out in the reserves next week. At least Tony's remarks show he is passionate and hungry." The Ghanaian striker refused to comment further on reports he was unsettled as he left for training today.
Spurs team news
Graham said: "I am hoping Rod will be fit for the weekend. His form before his injury was a big plus for me." Tony Dorigo and Richard Jobson are still not fit.
The Sun says Yeboah wants to Quit!
Tony Yeboah is reported to be ready to quit Leeds because of his frustration at being left on the bench. He is believed to be on Marseille’s wanted list and is willing to consider bids from other French clubs as well as from Germany and Spain. "I am not happy and I think it would be good for me to have a change. If any offers come in for me, I have to listen," he told The Sun today. "I have had offers from two clubs in Germany and I have heard the rumours about Marseille. I am willing to consider them. I have no problems with Leeds fans, who are fantastic. They expect me to come off the bench and I want to come on."
"I’ve already said I want to retire after next season so I can’t afford be on the bench. "I also want to play in European competition again and the way the team is going that won’t be possible with Leeds. I sacrificed my ambition for the good of the club last season. It was said there would be many new signings to strengthen the team, but this has not happened."

11th December

Vega
Spurs have now emerged as favourites to sign Vega. They have made a new improved offer. Vega said "The offer from Spurs is very interesting. I will have to think hard about this offer."
Elliott
United scouts have been monitoring the progress of Oxford central defender Matt Elliott and Graham is set to make a Ł2million bid.

10th December

More Citko
George Graham tonight denied he was about to move for Citko. "There is nothing in it," he said.
Citko
Widzew Lodz has said Polish striker Marek Citko has been placed on the transfer market for round about $6 million. Leeds and Inter Milan have both expressed an interest in signing the player. "Citko can go to either one of the clubs...we sent our offers to Inter Milan and Leeds United and are awaiting answers which are likely to come by the end of the month," Widzew president Andrzej Pawelec said. Citko won the attention of talent scouts after scoring the opening goal in Poland's World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley on October 9. Citko also scored two goals for Widzew in this year's Champions' League, but the Polish champions failed to qualify for next spring's quarter-final round.
Yeboah
Yeboah continues his build up to fitness by playing in the reserves tonight at Everton. Dorigo might also get a run-out.
Vega
Graham is reported to be prepared to meet the Ł3million asking price for Vega. Leeds hoped to sign Scales and Vega this week. Graham lost the race for Scales and Gerry Francis is also after Vega.

9th December

FA Cup
Leeds have drawn Crystal Palace away. The match will be played on the weekend of 4th and 5th of January.
More Halle
Gunnar Halle today became Graham's first signing, moving for 400,000 pounds from first division Oldham. The 31-year-old was on the point of signing for Leeds when Howard Wilkinson was sacked in September. Leeds have signed the player on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Graham said: "I'm pleased to have captured my first signing, particularly one so experienced as Gunnar Halle. I've been keen on him for some time. He'll be a very useful addition to our squad." Halle, who moved to Boundary Park from Lillestrom in 1990, has won 52 caps for Norway and can play in either full-back position or midfield. That versatility has clearly impressed Graham, who said: "It is a bonus to have someone who can play in different positions."
Halle
Leeds have signed Gunnar Halle. More info when available.
Scales prepared for Leeds roasting
John Scales is prepared to ride out a storm at Elland Road on Saturday, insisting he won't flinch. The 30-year-old central defender will have his first training session with Tottenham tomorrow and could make his debut against Leeds if he recovers from a niggling groin injury. Scales is facing a baptism of fire as the Yorkshire club believed he was about to wear their colours. Instead he signed a three-and-a-half year deal at White Hart Lane last night after a 2.6million move from Liverpool had been agreed. Chairman Bill Fotherby was left furious and embarrassed after lining up a news conference today at which he was hoping to unveil his new signing. Scales is only too aware of the test of character that lies immediately ahead in his native Yorkshire. "It could be a tricky weekend but I am prepared for that," the Harrogate-born player told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It was a very difficult situation. I had my medical at Leeds and they wanted to know. But I always said I would make my decision over the weekend. "Coming home on the train last night I made my mind up to join Tottenham and I felt happy with that. "I am looking forward to training with Tottenham. I have been out for a few weeks because of the injury, so I am looking for a good week's work." Scales' agent Eric Hall said he believed the former Wimbledon man wanted to move back down south. "I think if I'm totally honest ... he wanted to move back to London. Liverpool didn't want him so he had to make the decision. I believe he made this decision because the club was in London." Leeds manager George Graham took it on the chin after expecting to name Scales as his first signing since he took over from Howard Wilkinson in September. Graham said: "The boy has made his choice and that is the end of the matter. We only want players who want to play for the club."
And then it was none
The press conference Leeds hoped to stage this afternoon has been cancelled.
Halle move back on
Gunnar Halle is said to be lined up for a transfer to Leeds. The fee is said to be around 400,000 pounds. Could this be todays mystery signing? (I hope not.)

8th December

Scales snubs Leeds
John Scales has joined spurs for 2.6M.
(What a git!)
Another signing?
Reliable reports suggest that Leeds will unveil a "2nd" signing at a press conference called at Elland Road on Monday afternoon. Watch this space.
News of The World
Reports suggest that Spurs have made a late move for John Scales, who was expected to complete his move to Leeds on Monday. Leeds agreed a fee on Friday for Scales and the player had a day of talks with Fotherby and Graham. He was expected to undergo a medical over the weekend before being unveiled at a Monday press conference. However, his agent Eric Hall has told the News of The World of Tottenham's interest.
Graham cautious over signing
The Leeds boss stressed the deal had not yet been finalised but said: "We will get a decision over the weekend. We have made an offer for the player and he's gone away to think about it."
Graham: "We were Second best."
"Middlesbrough were the stronger of the two sides and we were on the back foot for most of the match," conceded Graham. "We weren't controlling the midfield and we got pinned back by Boro." Graham said he hadn't been tempted to bring on Rod Wallace or Tony Yeboah. "I thought Dean and Rush did well up front considering that the service they got wasn't very good."
"I thought we would get the backlash after seeing Middlesbrough lose to Leicester on Tuesday. Sometimes, when a side's having problems it brings them closer together. They fight harder and that's how it proved to be today so I was quite pleased to get a clean sheet and a draw."

7th December

Result
Middlesbrough 0 Leeds 0
Scales
Leeds are set to unveil John Scales as a Leeds player on Monday, 11 years after they released the central defender on a free transfer. The 30-year-old will make a 3million move on Monday, subject to a medical on Sunday. Scales said "It's very exciting, the success George Graham had at Arsenal and throughout his career make him a great manager. I admire him greatly. I'm here to put my career on a different track I've got faith in the club and George Graham and I'm very pleased. I'm yet to sign but I am looking forward to signing on Monday."

6th December

Scales agrees move
John Scales has agreed to move to Elland Road from Liverpool on a 4-year contract for Ł 3m.
Carlton
Palmer is refuting claims he's on his way out of the club.

Scales for Leeds!

Clubcall says that Liverpool defender John Scales was at Elland Road this morning discussing terms about a possible move to Leeds United. More info when available.
Brolin
Swedish TV4 reported last night that Brolin has been spotted at a Parma training session on Thursday speaking with the Parma director.
Soltvedt
Verdens Gang, a Norwegian newspaper, reports today that Leeds want to buy the Norwegian midfielder Trond Egil Soltvedt from Rosenborg Trondheim. Soltvedt (29) is now in Italy on holiday after Rosenborg's 2-1 win over AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Middlesbrough Team News
Graham is expected to keep Tony Yeboah on the substitute's bench for the trip to face Middlesbrough.Ian Rush and Brian Deane retain their places up front, with top scorer Wallace also kept waiting for his return after injury, Paul Beesley has recovered from an ankle injury.

5th December

Daily Mail
Graham might be interested in Oxford United's centre back Matthew Elliott. Souness is competing with Leeds for the Ł1.5million rated defender.

4th December

Tom on Tommy
Tommy Knarvik joined Leeds in November soon after his 17th birthday. Leeds scouts picked him out of an Under-16 game between Ireland and Norway.
(Info Courtesy of Tom Jacobsen.)
Yesterdays Daily Telegraph
The paper reports that Graham has made his first signing, a promising Norwegian midfielder Tommy Knarvik on a free transfer from IL Skjarjard. More info when available.

3rd December

Deane on Hughes
"I don't go out to hurt anyone. I went for the ball and unfortunately I caught him on the shin. It was purely accidental. I am not interested in entering a war of words with Mark Hughes. I just want to get on with my own game and do my talking on the pitch."
Nadal
Graham is unlikely to pursue his interest in Barcelona's Miguel Angel Nadal. The Spaniard is demanding wages believed to be in excess of Ł1million a year.

2nd December

Nigel Martyn on Chelsea Victory
"It is very pleasing to keep two clean sheets in a row and three in our last four games. We are defending well and look to have sorted out the problems that caused us to concede too many goals earlier in the season. We are looking very solid and there is a great team spirit among the lads. We have players who would run through a brick wall for each other and, when you have that kind of commitment, you are on the right lines."

1st December

Graham on another Victory :-)
"We were taking on a Chelsea team that has invested heavily on international players of world-class ability. We knew they would try to play a slow pace and show their wonderful skills, so there was no point in sitting back and allowing them the time and space to dictate the game. Our tactics were spot on. We never let Chelsea settle."
"Lucas has been outstanding in three consecutive matches. I had no hesitation in asking him to do a marking job on Zola who is one of my favourite players. Lucas proved he was equal to the task."
"Brian Deane has some nasty scratch marks down his shins. That is part and parcel of the game. You don't want to take away the physical nature of the English game. There were a lot of bookings but not one of Chelsea's players was stretchered off in the first half."
"Ian has always worked hard and he deserved his goal, to have Rod Wallace and Tony Yeboah on the bench is a welcome change. Now we have to look to have players of that kind of standard on the bench to cover for other departments of the team."
The News of the World says
Graham has beaten Spurs for the signature of Ramon Vega. It also says Sheringham is about to leave Spurs and Graham is interested.
Result
Leeds 2 Chelsea 0
Vega
Graham, speaking on Sky after the Leeds victory once again has confirmed that he is interested in Cagliari's Swiss international defender Ramon Vega.
Makaay
Reports suggest that Graham has put Dutchman Roy Makaay at the top of his striker's wanted list. Graham watched the Vitesse Arnhem hit-man in action last week.
Thorne
Graham also checked out Swindon's Peter Thorne earlier this week but he is unlikely to pursue him.

Email Jon Bunting at
JonB@rawhead.demon.co.uk