Yorkshire Post 29/5/09
David Healy set for Leeds United return
By Richard Sutcliffe
SIMON GRAYSON wants former Leeds United hero David Healy to replace transfer-listed striker Jermaine Beckford, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.
The Elland Road chief is resigned to losing last season''s top scorer after the striker turned down a new three-year deal earlier this week.
Middlesbrough and Coventry City are likely to offer an escape route to the Championship for Beckford, who netted 34 goals for Leeds in their failed bid to win promotion. Grayson is determined to bring in a top-class replacement if Beckford does depart and the Yorkshire Post understands Healy is at the top of his wanted list. Other strikers that the United manager has cast his eye over include former Barnsley striker Michael Mifsud and Sheffield United's Billy Sharp but it is Northern Ireland's record goal-scorer who Grayson wants to spearhead next season's promotion assault.
No-one at Elland Road would comment on a possible bid for Healy last night but the return of a striker who netted 31 goals in almost three years with Leeds would be popular among supporters.
Healy, who knows Glynn Snodin well due to the United assistant being part of Nigel Worthington's backroom team with Northern Ireland, left West Yorkshire in the summer of 2007 following the club's relegation from the Championship when he joined Fulham for an initial £1m. A clause was inserted in the deal whereby Leeds would receive an additional £500,000 should the striker net five goals in his first season at Craven Cottage but he could only manage four.
The 29-year-old subsequently moved to Sunderland last summer but failed to start a single Premier League game. He is expected to leave the Stadium of Light as part of the summer clearout that will follow the appointment of Ricky Sbragia's successor by the Wearside club's board.
Mifsud is also on Grayson's radar with the Malta international available on a free transfer after being released by Coventry. The 27-year-old ended last season on loan at Barnsley and scored twice in 10 appearances to help the Tykes avoid relegation from the Championship. He is best remembered in Coventry for his starring role in the Sky Blues' stunning win at Manchester United in the Carling Cup 20 months ago.
Leeds yesterday confirmed two pre-season friendlies against Premier League opposition – hosting Blackburn Rovers on July 25 before travelling to Burnley on August 1.
Grimsby Town manager Mike Newell has confirmed his interest in keeping United winger Peter Sweeney at Blundell Park.
The wideman is surplus to requirements at Elland Road and spent the final couple of months on loan with the Mariners. He has featured in only nine first team games for Leeds since joining from Stoke City in January, 2008.
David Healy set for Leeds United return
By Richard Sutcliffe
SIMON GRAYSON wants former Leeds United hero David Healy to replace transfer-listed striker Jermaine Beckford, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.
The Elland Road chief is resigned to losing last season''s top scorer after the striker turned down a new three-year deal earlier this week.
Middlesbrough and Coventry City are likely to offer an escape route to the Championship for Beckford, who netted 34 goals for Leeds in their failed bid to win promotion. Grayson is determined to bring in a top-class replacement if Beckford does depart and the Yorkshire Post understands Healy is at the top of his wanted list. Other strikers that the United manager has cast his eye over include former Barnsley striker Michael Mifsud and Sheffield United's Billy Sharp but it is Northern Ireland's record goal-scorer who Grayson wants to spearhead next season's promotion assault.
No-one at Elland Road would comment on a possible bid for Healy last night but the return of a striker who netted 31 goals in almost three years with Leeds would be popular among supporters.
Healy, who knows Glynn Snodin well due to the United assistant being part of Nigel Worthington's backroom team with Northern Ireland, left West Yorkshire in the summer of 2007 following the club's relegation from the Championship when he joined Fulham for an initial £1m. A clause was inserted in the deal whereby Leeds would receive an additional £500,000 should the striker net five goals in his first season at Craven Cottage but he could only manage four.
The 29-year-old subsequently moved to Sunderland last summer but failed to start a single Premier League game. He is expected to leave the Stadium of Light as part of the summer clearout that will follow the appointment of Ricky Sbragia's successor by the Wearside club's board.
Mifsud is also on Grayson's radar with the Malta international available on a free transfer after being released by Coventry. The 27-year-old ended last season on loan at Barnsley and scored twice in 10 appearances to help the Tykes avoid relegation from the Championship. He is best remembered in Coventry for his starring role in the Sky Blues' stunning win at Manchester United in the Carling Cup 20 months ago.
Leeds yesterday confirmed two pre-season friendlies against Premier League opposition – hosting Blackburn Rovers on July 25 before travelling to Burnley on August 1.
Grimsby Town manager Mike Newell has confirmed his interest in keeping United winger Peter Sweeney at Blundell Park.
The wideman is surplus to requirements at Elland Road and spent the final couple of months on loan with the Mariners. He has featured in only nine first team games for Leeds since joining from Stoke City in January, 2008.
