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United want Rob for keeps
by Phil Hay
Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell will make the permanent signing of Rob Hulse an urgent priority when the Championship campaign ends in May.
Hulse was signed on loan from West Brom until the end of the season last month, but Blackwell today insisted he had no intention of losing the prolific striker without a fight.
The 25-year-old, pictured left, has another year remaining on his contract at the Hawthorns but there is no prospect of him featuring in Bryan Robson's first team, and the forward is understood to favour a long-term move to Elland Road.
Hulse has already proved his ability to thrive in the Championship, scoring twice against Reading on his United debut and claiming five goals in six appearances so far, and the former Crewe forward would provide Leeds with a reliable outlet next season.
Blackwell said: "I took Rob Hulse aside recently and told him that's he's beginning to see just how big a club Leeds United is.
"From my point of view, Rob's got a massive future here and he's desperate to stay with us. He knows that we've got the makings of a successful team here.
Lacked
"I need to get four or five quality players in during the summer and there's no question that I want Rob to be one of them. He's a class act and, potentially, a 20-goal-a-season striker.
"That's something we've lacked and you can only imagine what might have happened had Rob been here all year."
Blackwell has used loan agreements successfully this term, but his hands will be tied for much of next season as Coca-Cola League clubs are finally forced to embrace the restrictions of the transfer window.
United will only be able to improve the squad that starts the campaign during January, and Blackwell admitted: "We're already deep into our planning.
"My squad's made a lot of progress, but it can only continue to do so with enough depth and the right additions during the summer. It's a crucial time for us."
Leeds, meanwhile, have turned down a request from Sheffield United for extra tickets for next month's Yorkshire derby at Elland Road.
The Blades were originally allocated 1,700 seats for the Tuesday, 5 April clash, but their appeal has been rejected on the advice of West Yorkshire Police.
The Blades fixture follows hot on the heels of United's return to action against Glenn Hoddle's Wolves at Elland Road on 2 April.
United want Rob for keeps
by Phil Hay
Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell will make the permanent signing of Rob Hulse an urgent priority when the Championship campaign ends in May.
Hulse was signed on loan from West Brom until the end of the season last month, but Blackwell today insisted he had no intention of losing the prolific striker without a fight.
The 25-year-old, pictured left, has another year remaining on his contract at the Hawthorns but there is no prospect of him featuring in Bryan Robson's first team, and the forward is understood to favour a long-term move to Elland Road.
Hulse has already proved his ability to thrive in the Championship, scoring twice against Reading on his United debut and claiming five goals in six appearances so far, and the former Crewe forward would provide Leeds with a reliable outlet next season.
Blackwell said: "I took Rob Hulse aside recently and told him that's he's beginning to see just how big a club Leeds United is.
"From my point of view, Rob's got a massive future here and he's desperate to stay with us. He knows that we've got the makings of a successful team here.
Lacked
"I need to get four or five quality players in during the summer and there's no question that I want Rob to be one of them. He's a class act and, potentially, a 20-goal-a-season striker.
"That's something we've lacked and you can only imagine what might have happened had Rob been here all year."
Blackwell has used loan agreements successfully this term, but his hands will be tied for much of next season as Coca-Cola League clubs are finally forced to embrace the restrictions of the transfer window.
United will only be able to improve the squad that starts the campaign during January, and Blackwell admitted: "We're already deep into our planning.
"My squad's made a lot of progress, but it can only continue to do so with enough depth and the right additions during the summer. It's a crucial time for us."
Leeds, meanwhile, have turned down a request from Sheffield United for extra tickets for next month's Yorkshire derby at Elland Road.
The Blades were originally allocated 1,700 seats for the Tuesday, 5 April clash, but their appeal has been rejected on the advice of West Yorkshire Police.
The Blades fixture follows hot on the heels of United's return to action against Glenn Hoddle's Wolves at Elland Road on 2 April.