Yorkshire Evening Post 6/11/09
Max's future to be decided
By Phil Hay
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson plans to discuss the future of Max Gradel with his Leicester City counterpart next week as the winger's loan deal at Elland Road nears its conclusion.
Gradel's month-long contract with Leeds ends after Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at home to Grimsby Town, but United have made no secret of their desire to retain him beyond his initial deal.
The 21-year-old has made an impressive impact in his short time with the club, influencing heavily the club's victories over Norwich City and Yeovil Town, and he admitted this week that he would be happy to stay with Leeds if the club continue to offer him regular first-team football.
United have been in regular contact with Leicester to discuss his progress at Elland Road, but Grayson intends to speak with City manager Nigel Pearson in the coming days to discuss the possibility of an extension.
Grayson said: "We've spoken to Leicester on a regular basis because they like to know how Max is getting on.
"He's Leicester's player and ultimately they'll have the decision but we'd like to keep him here. I'll speak to Nigel more after this weekend."
Gradel was unable to play in this afternoon's FA Cup tie at Oldham Athletic after Leicester moved to prevent him becoming cup-tied, an indication that Pearson still sees a place for the winger in his first-team plans.
City, however, are prominently placed in the Championship and have not been unduly affected by injuries this season, offering Grayson hope that they will respond positively to a request to extend his loan.
Grayson said: "They were happy to send him here in the first place to get games and they've had a good run of form recently.
"It might be that they've got no injury problems and don't need him, which could work in our favour."
Grayson, meanwhile, has seen his squad strengthened this week with Rui Marques and Andy Robinson back in full training after injury.
Neither player was expected to be considered for today's FA Cup tie but Grayson could considered both for Tuesday's clash with Grimsby, when United will attempt to book their place in the semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Marques has not played in a competitive game since the end of August due to an Achilles problem, and Robinson was sidelined by hamstring strain sustained in a reserve-team fixture last month.
Grayson has also revealed that goalkeeper Shane Higgs is tentatively aiming to make a comeback against Brighton on November 21. Higgs is currently recovering from a thigh strain.
Max's future to be decided
By Phil Hay
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson plans to discuss the future of Max Gradel with his Leicester City counterpart next week as the winger's loan deal at Elland Road nears its conclusion.
Gradel's month-long contract with Leeds ends after Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at home to Grimsby Town, but United have made no secret of their desire to retain him beyond his initial deal.
The 21-year-old has made an impressive impact in his short time with the club, influencing heavily the club's victories over Norwich City and Yeovil Town, and he admitted this week that he would be happy to stay with Leeds if the club continue to offer him regular first-team football.
United have been in regular contact with Leicester to discuss his progress at Elland Road, but Grayson intends to speak with City manager Nigel Pearson in the coming days to discuss the possibility of an extension.
Grayson said: "We've spoken to Leicester on a regular basis because they like to know how Max is getting on.
"He's Leicester's player and ultimately they'll have the decision but we'd like to keep him here. I'll speak to Nigel more after this weekend."
Gradel was unable to play in this afternoon's FA Cup tie at Oldham Athletic after Leicester moved to prevent him becoming cup-tied, an indication that Pearson still sees a place for the winger in his first-team plans.
City, however, are prominently placed in the Championship and have not been unduly affected by injuries this season, offering Grayson hope that they will respond positively to a request to extend his loan.
Grayson said: "They were happy to send him here in the first place to get games and they've had a good run of form recently.
"It might be that they've got no injury problems and don't need him, which could work in our favour."
Grayson, meanwhile, has seen his squad strengthened this week with Rui Marques and Andy Robinson back in full training after injury.
Neither player was expected to be considered for today's FA Cup tie but Grayson could considered both for Tuesday's clash with Grimsby, when United will attempt to book their place in the semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Marques has not played in a competitive game since the end of August due to an Achilles problem, and Robinson was sidelined by hamstring strain sustained in a reserve-team fixture last month.
Grayson has also revealed that goalkeeper Shane Higgs is tentatively aiming to make a comeback against Brighton on November 21. Higgs is currently recovering from a thigh strain.
