Bradford Telegraph & Argus 3/3/11
Leeds United must wait on loan recruits
Leeds are being thwarted in their attempts to bolster their defence for the run-in towards promotion.
Recent matches have exposed the United backline as the weak link – only three Championship teams have conceded more than their 55 goals this season, including two in the relegation zone.
Manager Simon Grayson had hoped to make a move in the loan market for some Premier League players.
Leeds chairman Ken Bates still thinks that is possible but pointed out the problems they are having.
“We hope to make one or two signings this week or next but Premier League clubs are suffering injuries and suspensions,” said Bates.
“We have a situation where three players Simon had in mind, who we had provisionally agreed to sign, are now on hold because their present clubs are concerned they may need them themselves.”
Bates also revealed that agents’ desire to secure full-time deals for their clients rules out some targets. Leeds are not ready to sign Premier League contracts until they know promotion is secure.
“We’re not signing a player now that could hamstring the manager’s budget for next season,” he said.
“If we get promoted, players will have their wages reviewed, but we’re not making long-term policy decisions based on future performance.”
Leeds United must wait on loan recruits
Leeds are being thwarted in their attempts to bolster their defence for the run-in towards promotion.
Recent matches have exposed the United backline as the weak link – only three Championship teams have conceded more than their 55 goals this season, including two in the relegation zone.
Manager Simon Grayson had hoped to make a move in the loan market for some Premier League players.
Leeds chairman Ken Bates still thinks that is possible but pointed out the problems they are having.
“We hope to make one or two signings this week or next but Premier League clubs are suffering injuries and suspensions,” said Bates.
“We have a situation where three players Simon had in mind, who we had provisionally agreed to sign, are now on hold because their present clubs are concerned they may need them themselves.”
Bates also revealed that agents’ desire to secure full-time deals for their clients rules out some targets. Leeds are not ready to sign Premier League contracts until they know promotion is secure.
“We’re not signing a player now that could hamstring the manager’s budget for next season,” he said.
“If we get promoted, players will have their wages reviewed, but we’re not making long-term policy decisions based on future performance.”
