Leeds United: Morison still keen to make his mark with Whites
YEP 25/6/13
by Leon Wobschall
Leeds United striker Steve Morison remains fully focused on proving himself a success story at Elland Road – in the wake of speculation linking him with a return to Millwall.
National reports have suggested that the Lions are keen on bringing the 29-year-old – who only moved to United from Norwich City at the end of January – back to The Den, where he started his professional career in May 2009.
But according to sources close to Morison, he remains very happy at Leeds.
Morison, who has endured a low-key start to his Whites career, will move into a new home in Yorkshire this week ahead of the start of pre-season training on Thursday – and remains determined to hit the ground running at Leeds in 2013-14, having only signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the end of January.
Lions chief Steve Lomas – also being linked with Peterborough’s Tyrone Barnett and Norwich City’s Simeon Jackson, is remaining tight-lipped regarding speculation surrounding a possible move for Morison.
He said: “Steve Morison had a really good spell here.
“(But) I think what it is is basically people putting two and two together. I have made a lot of enquiries for a lot of players, but until you get the deal over the line, it is very hard for me to try and tell you where we are at.
“You can rest assured I’ve spoken to a lot of agents and people at other clubs.”
The former Stevenage frontman had a rewarding two-year-spell at Millwall, forming a successful partnership with Neil Harris, who returned the club at the start of this week as a coach.
Millwall were linked with a reunion with Morison earlier this year before his move to Yorkshire – with chairman John Berylson known to be close to the player.
On the incoming front, a fresh round of speculation has linked United with a number of names, with manager Brian McDermott keen lor owners GFH Capital to give him the green light to complete several deals waiting to be rubber-stamped –with a number of players ready and waiting to sign.
They include former Reading forward Noel Hunt, who is expected to join Leeds when his Royals contract runs out on June 30. Others linked include central defenders Matt Mills, Matt Upson and Gabriel Tamas.
West Brom are prepared to let Romanian international Tamas leave the Hawthorns if they receive the right offer–- although its understood they have not had any approaches as yet.
Tamas has a year left on his Baggies deal – with the option of another 12 months if it suits all parties – and while willing to do business, the Midlands outfit are in no particular rush to sell the player either.
United have also reportedly been credited with an interest in Crewe Alexandra’s talented play-maker and captain Luke Murphy.
According to sources in Cheshire, Wolves are leading the chase for the 23-year-old, with Crewe, mindful that the player’s current deal expires next summer, expected to cash in and sell him this summer.
But with the Railwaymen seeking a big six-figure fee – possibly higher – the Whites face being priced out of any potential move.
Blackburn Rovers are also keen on Murphy, who has also been watched by several Premier League sides including Aston Villa. Speculation has also suggested that Leeds are interested in Brentford’s out-of-contract winger Harry Forrester, who has been offered fresh terms by the Bees, but who is keen to prove himself at a bigger club.
Forrester remains in discussions with the Bees and is in talks with another club, with his future set to be resolved this week.
Several clubs are said to be monitoring the situation, but it’s understood Leeds have not, as yet, firmed up any interest.
by Leon Wobschall
Leeds United striker Steve Morison remains fully focused on proving himself a success story at Elland Road – in the wake of speculation linking him with a return to Millwall.
National reports have suggested that the Lions are keen on bringing the 29-year-old – who only moved to United from Norwich City at the end of January – back to The Den, where he started his professional career in May 2009.
But according to sources close to Morison, he remains very happy at Leeds.
Morison, who has endured a low-key start to his Whites career, will move into a new home in Yorkshire this week ahead of the start of pre-season training on Thursday – and remains determined to hit the ground running at Leeds in 2013-14, having only signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the end of January.
Lions chief Steve Lomas – also being linked with Peterborough’s Tyrone Barnett and Norwich City’s Simeon Jackson, is remaining tight-lipped regarding speculation surrounding a possible move for Morison.
He said: “Steve Morison had a really good spell here.
“(But) I think what it is is basically people putting two and two together. I have made a lot of enquiries for a lot of players, but until you get the deal over the line, it is very hard for me to try and tell you where we are at.
“You can rest assured I’ve spoken to a lot of agents and people at other clubs.”
The former Stevenage frontman had a rewarding two-year-spell at Millwall, forming a successful partnership with Neil Harris, who returned the club at the start of this week as a coach.
Millwall were linked with a reunion with Morison earlier this year before his move to Yorkshire – with chairman John Berylson known to be close to the player.
On the incoming front, a fresh round of speculation has linked United with a number of names, with manager Brian McDermott keen lor owners GFH Capital to give him the green light to complete several deals waiting to be rubber-stamped –with a number of players ready and waiting to sign.
They include former Reading forward Noel Hunt, who is expected to join Leeds when his Royals contract runs out on June 30. Others linked include central defenders Matt Mills, Matt Upson and Gabriel Tamas.
West Brom are prepared to let Romanian international Tamas leave the Hawthorns if they receive the right offer–- although its understood they have not had any approaches as yet.
Tamas has a year left on his Baggies deal – with the option of another 12 months if it suits all parties – and while willing to do business, the Midlands outfit are in no particular rush to sell the player either.
United have also reportedly been credited with an interest in Crewe Alexandra’s talented play-maker and captain Luke Murphy.
According to sources in Cheshire, Wolves are leading the chase for the 23-year-old, with Crewe, mindful that the player’s current deal expires next summer, expected to cash in and sell him this summer.
But with the Railwaymen seeking a big six-figure fee – possibly higher – the Whites face being priced out of any potential move.
Blackburn Rovers are also keen on Murphy, who has also been watched by several Premier League sides including Aston Villa. Speculation has also suggested that Leeds are interested in Brentford’s out-of-contract winger Harry Forrester, who has been offered fresh terms by the Bees, but who is keen to prove himself at a bigger club.
Forrester remains in discussions with the Bees and is in talks with another club, with his future set to be resolved this week.
Several clubs are said to be monitoring the situation, but it’s understood Leeds have not, as yet, firmed up any interest.