Manchester City young gun keen on Elland Road switch
YEP 4/6/13
by Leon Wobschall
Leeds United are being linked with a move for young Manchester City defender Reece Wabara.
The 21-year-old, able to operate in the centre of defence and at right-back, is well down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and is expected to move on this summer.
Wabara, who spent loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Blackpool last season, has a year left on his City deal and has suggested on Twitter he would be keen on a move to Elland Road after rumours surfaced of a possible move.
The player is likely to be available on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, any United move for Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – also linked with several other Championship clubs – appears to be on the backburner for the time being.
The 27-year-old is recuperating from a broken leg and ankle ligament damage sustained in early April and could be out until October.
He is likely to have to prove his fitness first before earning an extended deal at any one of several possible destinations.
Given that, any imminent move for the player, currently working on his rehabilitation from injury at the Wolves training ground, seems very unlikely.
Ebanks-Blake was recently released by Wolves following their relegation to League One and is available on a free transfer.
Along with United, Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town and Reading have been credited with interest in the powerhouse forward, whose weekly wages at Molineux last term are thought to have been in the region of £15,000.
Reports linking Boro with a strong interest in Ebanks-Blake - a proven goalscorer at Championship level over the years - appear to be wide of the mark, according to sources in the north-east.
A move to Ipswich, managed by ex-Wolves boss Mick McCarthy could appeal to Ebanks-Blake, who has also been linked with Premier League newboys Crystal Palace, whose manager Ian Holloway has worked with him before at Plymouth Argyle and is a known admirer of him.
Palace were keen to land Ebanks-Blake in January, but Wolves rebuffed their advances.
The FA have decided that no charges are to be issued to Millwall in relation to alleged racist abuse during their home games with United in November and Birmingham City the previous month.
The matter was the subject of a separate police investigation and concerned the use of racist and/or offensive language and/or gestures by supporters of the Lions.
Sky Sports News had filmed Lions fans allegedly racially abusing Leeds player El-Hadji Diouf.
An FA statement said: “No charges are to be issued to either club in relation to these isolated incidents.”
Leeds development squad’s pre-season fixture list has been announced and includes a trip to Tolka Park where a United XI will take on Irish outfit Shelbourne on Monday, July 29 (7.45pm).
Their friendly programme starts with a game at Boston United on Saturday, July 20 (3pm) before a trip to face Huddersfield-based amateur side Shelley at Storthes Hall on Thursday, July 25 (7pm).
United also visit North Wales-based Northern Premier League outfit Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, August 13 (7.30pm).
Further games against non-league sides will be arranged once next season is underway.
by Leon Wobschall
Leeds United are being linked with a move for young Manchester City defender Reece Wabara.
The 21-year-old, able to operate in the centre of defence and at right-back, is well down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and is expected to move on this summer.
Wabara, who spent loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Blackpool last season, has a year left on his City deal and has suggested on Twitter he would be keen on a move to Elland Road after rumours surfaced of a possible move.
The player is likely to be available on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, any United move for Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – also linked with several other Championship clubs – appears to be on the backburner for the time being.
The 27-year-old is recuperating from a broken leg and ankle ligament damage sustained in early April and could be out until October.
He is likely to have to prove his fitness first before earning an extended deal at any one of several possible destinations.
Given that, any imminent move for the player, currently working on his rehabilitation from injury at the Wolves training ground, seems very unlikely.
Ebanks-Blake was recently released by Wolves following their relegation to League One and is available on a free transfer.
Along with United, Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town and Reading have been credited with interest in the powerhouse forward, whose weekly wages at Molineux last term are thought to have been in the region of £15,000.
Reports linking Boro with a strong interest in Ebanks-Blake - a proven goalscorer at Championship level over the years - appear to be wide of the mark, according to sources in the north-east.
A move to Ipswich, managed by ex-Wolves boss Mick McCarthy could appeal to Ebanks-Blake, who has also been linked with Premier League newboys Crystal Palace, whose manager Ian Holloway has worked with him before at Plymouth Argyle and is a known admirer of him.
Palace were keen to land Ebanks-Blake in January, but Wolves rebuffed their advances.
The FA have decided that no charges are to be issued to Millwall in relation to alleged racist abuse during their home games with United in November and Birmingham City the previous month.
The matter was the subject of a separate police investigation and concerned the use of racist and/or offensive language and/or gestures by supporters of the Lions.
Sky Sports News had filmed Lions fans allegedly racially abusing Leeds player El-Hadji Diouf.
An FA statement said: “No charges are to be issued to either club in relation to these isolated incidents.”
Leeds development squad’s pre-season fixture list has been announced and includes a trip to Tolka Park where a United XI will take on Irish outfit Shelbourne on Monday, July 29 (7.45pm).
Their friendly programme starts with a game at Boston United on Saturday, July 20 (3pm) before a trip to face Huddersfield-based amateur side Shelley at Storthes Hall on Thursday, July 25 (7pm).
United also visit North Wales-based Northern Premier League outfit Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, August 13 (7.30pm).
Further games against non-league sides will be arranged once next season is underway.
