Leeds Today: "UNITED SET TO BUY!
Milner sale to fund re-building plans
EXCLUSIVE
By PAUL DEWS
LEEDS UNITED manager Kevin Blackwell will be handed a transfer war chest following the sale of James Milner to Newcastle.
Newcastle's interest was first revealed in the YEP last month and the player put pen to paper on a five-year Magpies contract last night. The clubs have agreed a �5m deal with Newcastle expected to make a downpayment of more than �3.5m.
The remainder of the controversial deal is subject to add-ons, and there is also a sell-on clause.
Milner was hoping to sign a new deal with United, but no talks took place and the Toon Army were quick to swoop for the disappointed teenage star.
The homegrown youngster left Leeds with a 'heavy heart', but United chairman Gerald Krasner today moved to ease the pain among fans by insisting Blackwell will receive funds for a shopping spree.
Leeds haven't paid cash for a player for two years � Nick Barmby was the last funded transfer � and the Milner deal will line Blackwell's pockets as he looks to strengthen his new-look squad.
Krasner said: 'This is a good offer for the player and reluctantly we felt it was something we had to consider for a number of reasons.
'Of course we are disappointed to see James leave, but the choice the board had was whether to keep him and not have money to give Kevin or go ahead with the sale and have some money to spend.
'It's not been an easy decision and it's one we've not taken lightly, but we believe it will be for the good of everyone concerned.
'James is a Leeds lad and has done well for the club. He goes with our best wishes.'
As revealed in later editions of last night's YEP, United have already tabled a bid for Burnley's teenage star Richard Chaplow.
Ironically, Chaplow, who made his England under-21 debut in February, was a target for Newcastle last season but Sir Bobby Robsonwas put off by a £3m price tag.
The Clarets are unlikely to make the same demands this time around, but Leeds will refuse to join an auction for the player.
Former United striker Brian Deane is also being linked with a return to Elland Road.
Milner sale to fund re-building plans
EXCLUSIVE
By PAUL DEWS
LEEDS UNITED manager Kevin Blackwell will be handed a transfer war chest following the sale of James Milner to Newcastle.
Newcastle's interest was first revealed in the YEP last month and the player put pen to paper on a five-year Magpies contract last night. The clubs have agreed a �5m deal with Newcastle expected to make a downpayment of more than �3.5m.
The remainder of the controversial deal is subject to add-ons, and there is also a sell-on clause.
Milner was hoping to sign a new deal with United, but no talks took place and the Toon Army were quick to swoop for the disappointed teenage star.
The homegrown youngster left Leeds with a 'heavy heart', but United chairman Gerald Krasner today moved to ease the pain among fans by insisting Blackwell will receive funds for a shopping spree.
Leeds haven't paid cash for a player for two years � Nick Barmby was the last funded transfer � and the Milner deal will line Blackwell's pockets as he looks to strengthen his new-look squad.
Krasner said: 'This is a good offer for the player and reluctantly we felt it was something we had to consider for a number of reasons.
'Of course we are disappointed to see James leave, but the choice the board had was whether to keep him and not have money to give Kevin or go ahead with the sale and have some money to spend.
'It's not been an easy decision and it's one we've not taken lightly, but we believe it will be for the good of everyone concerned.
'James is a Leeds lad and has done well for the club. He goes with our best wishes.'
As revealed in later editions of last night's YEP, United have already tabled a bid for Burnley's teenage star Richard Chaplow.
Ironically, Chaplow, who made his England under-21 debut in February, was a target for Newcastle last season but Sir Bobby Robsonwas put off by a £3m price tag.
The Clarets are unlikely to make the same demands this time around, but Leeds will refuse to join an auction for the player.
Former United striker Brian Deane is also being linked with a return to Elland Road.