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Transfer window: Leeds win race to sign Cobblers defender Crowe
LEEDS United have agreed to sign Northampton Town defender Jason Crowe as a replacement for Frazer Richardson who has been released after over a decade at Elland Road.
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Richardson was the only remaining member of the Leeds side relegated from the Premier League five years ago, but lost his place following the arrival of new manager Simon Grayson.
Crowe, 30, is joining Leeds on a free transfer after rejecting the offer of a new deal with Northampton. He is the first new arrival of the summer at the League One club.
He started his career as a youngster with Arsenal and made three appearances for Arsene Wenger's side before joining Portsmouth in a 1m transfer.
After four years at Fratton Park, Crowe dropped down the divisions and spent two years with Grimsby Town prior to moving to Northampton in summer 2005.
Grayson said: "There was a lot of interest in him and we've beaten a number of clubs to get him. He's a versatile right-back, and he's been a very consistent performer over the last couple of seasons.
"He has good experience, having started with Arsenal and playing regularly for Portsmouth, " added Grayson. "I see Jason as another valuable member of our squad with the aim being to get promoted next season."
Crowe scored twice for Northampton against Leeds in last season's FA Cup defeat at Sixfields.
Hull City have lodged a 2.5m bid for French striker Marc-Antoine Fortune but face stiff competition for his services from Celtic.
Fortune, who is under contract to French club Nancy, spent four months on loan last season at West Bromwich Albion – whose manager Tony Mowbray is about to move to Parkhead.
The opportunity to work again with Mowbray alongside the lure of European football may tip the scales in Celtic's favour.
Hull manager Phil Brown, who has already agreed to pay 6m for Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell, said: "Marc-Antoine Fortune is a player that we're interested in. We have discussed terms with his club and I would say we're probably one of three serious contenders.
"We've done our business with his club and we remain hopeful. He's someone who caught the eye and captured everyone's imagination in the second half of last season."
Fortune scored five goals in 17 appearances for Albion but was unable to save the club from relegation.
Sheffield United player-coach Gary Speed is on a six man shortlist for the vacant manager's job at Swansea City.
The Blades have granted permission for Speed to be interviewed but manager Kevin Blackwell has also made it clear that he would prefer the former Welsh international to stay.
Former Leeds assistant manager Gus Poyet, former Rotherham manager Alan Knill, Exeter's Paul Tisdale, and former Watford manager Aidy Bothroyd are also believed to be in the frame.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said: "We are down to about six main people. Hopefully it will push on between now and the weekend."
Wigan Athletic agreed to pay Swansea around 2m in compensation for the services of manager Roberto Martinez.
Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark has confirmed an interest in signing Coventry City striker Robbie Simpson.
The Midlanders want around 250,000 for the 24-year-old who moved to the Ricoh Arena from Cambridge United two summers ago.
Veteran striker Gareth Taylor has agreed to sign for Blue Square Premier League side Wrexham after being released by Doncaster Rovers.
Taylor, 36, played alongside Wrexham manager Dean Saunders for both Sheffield United and Wales.
Bradford City want Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Frank Fielding on loan but the Premier League club are looking to sell.
Former Bradford and Sheffield Wednesday striker Benito Carbone is being linked with a return to the English game with League One side Oldham Athletic.
Carbone, now 37, played for Pavia in Italy's third division last season but caught the eye playing for Aston Villa in last week's Masters indoor football tournament.
Reports from London last night suggested Owls target Freddy Sears has snubbed a season-long loan to Hillsborough in favour of staying in the capital. He is now expected to move from West Ham on loan to Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace.
Wednesday have also been linked with a loan move for Everton's Victor Anichebe
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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