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Grayson reticent to show Leeds hand over loan link with Delph
Simon Grayson wants Fabian Delph back at Leeds.
LEEDS UNITED manager Simon Grayson has admitted Fabian Delph “fits the bill” but has refused to confirm whether the former Elland Road favourite will be rejoining the club.
United have been linked with a loan move for the talented midfielder, who made 46 league appearances for the Whites before joining Aston Villa in 2009.
Delph, 22, has fallen out of favour in the West Midlands and is understood to have been made available for loan by Villa manager Alex McLeish.
But while conceding Delph would be an excellent acquisition, Grayson is keeping his cards close to his chest over possible targets.
“Fabian Delph is a good player who knows about Leeds United because he has been here before,” said Grayson, whose team are 11th in the Championship – three points off the play-offs.
“His name is being bandied around as if he is available for loan. You’re not going to draw me on whether we will do it or not, but he’s a player, along with others, that would fit the bill.
“He fits the bill because he knows what this club is about and what it means to play here, but we’re working towards one or two deals and I will refuse to name them.”
Villa say they have not been contacted by Leeds but it is thought they would be receptive to an approach provided Leeds made a significant contribution to his wages.
Grayson recently strengthened his squad by recruiting Danny Pugh, Andros Townsend and Maik Taylor, and USA international Robbie Rogers is poised to join subject to work permit clearance.
“It’s always difficult at this time of year, but we’re working extremely hard to achieve what we want to do,” added Grayson.
“We’ve been linked with a lot of players over the past few days and weeks and we are looking to strengthen, but what you have to do is bring in someone who will make you better.
“There is no point in bringing in players who are going to sit on the bench and be around the squad; you want players who can come into the first team straight away.
“That’s what we have to work at and, if it means hanging on a few more days or a week, I will do that.”
As well as targeting fresh faces, Grayson admitted there could be movement in the opposite direction. Reports suggest contract talks have stalled between Leeds and midfielder Adam Clayton, who is thought to be the subject of interest from Premier League clubs.
Grayson did not comment on specific players but did say: “There’s been enquiries and clubs will be like us in considering can they take so-and-so?
“It changes from day to day. Teams might be looking for something one day then a completely different position the next depending on circumstances. We’ve got some who we wouldn’t stand in their way, but anyone leaving the club will be on our terms and no one else’s.”
Sheffield Wednesday could be looking for a new winger following uncertainty surrounding Ben Marshall’s future.
Marshall has returned to parent club Stoke City following the expiry of his six-month loan deal.
Wednesday want to sign the 20-year-old, whose contract at Stoke ends in the summer.
Owls’ owner Milan Mandaric said negotiations between the parties were ongoing but admitted the club could be forced to look elsewhere.
“Our preference is to have Ben back because he has contributed quite a bit and gelled with the team,” said Mandaric.
“I would like to think we will get him back but it is in the hands of his club; we are not in control of the situation.”
Sheffield United are pressing ahead with plans to sign Rangers midfielder John Fleck.
The Blades face stiff competition from Championship Blackpool, who are also targeting the 20-year-old.
Huddersfield Town supporters are set to go green for Saturday’s home game against Brentford.
The Huddersfield Town Supporters’ Association will distribute around 7,500 lime green t-shirts to fans prior to the televised League One match to highlight the ongoing share issue at the Galpharm Stadium.
Town chairman Dean Hoyle recently spoke of his frustration at the collapse of a deal that would have seen the club reclaim their shares in the stadium.
The Terriers’ chief had thought towards the end of 2011 that agreement had been reached over the football club reclaiming the 40 per cent share that, when they were in administration in 2003, was transferred to a new company called Huddersfield Sporting Pride.
Ken Davy, then Town chairman, also transferred the Giants rugby league club’s 20 per cent share to HSP. Since then, HSP has held 60 per cent with Kirklees Council retaining their original 40 per cent holding.
The t-shirts have been donated by local businessman Andy Shuter, who said: “I would urge all Town fans to get behind this campaign and show your support to Dean Hoyle and Huddersfield Town.”
chris.waters@ypn.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 3 comments to this article
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onemexican
Friday, January 20, 2012 at 12:08 AMwhat a laugh just listening to SG waffle on, don't bring in players who will "sit the bench", my my now who would want to do that SIMON you are the master at this that is the problem.
lanza
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 09:39 AMSo Delph "fits the bill". Well he would because he wont cost anything, only we have not asked Villa about him anyway, probably because he might want a wage during is short stay at ER while he gets fit. Oh just heard that Jonny has gone missing again. Only this time its for good. Aparently he was after a £25 a week rise. Ken probably thinks he was rubbish anyway. The good news is that if we sell him for a couple of million, we will be able to afford a couple of trialists that we have never heard of. Does anyone else think that the guy who negociates contracts at ER isnt very good?
adriantag
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 09:30 AMTop players don't want to come to Leeds (So it seems), even Leeds born badge hugging players are off, Howson now going to Norwich! Were will it end?
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