Exeter City v Leeds United: Leeds refuse to give up chase for Gradel

League one: LEEDS UNITED'S hopes of signing Max Gradel after his loan deal ends on Monday appear to have been dashed by Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson.

The 22-year-old has been at Elland Road for the past three months and impressed sufficiently in 15 appearances for Simon Grayson to want to sign the winger permanently.

United this week enquired what fee the Foxes would want but Pearson stressed Gradel was not for sale and he has reiterated that point ahead of the Ivory Coast man's last scheduled game for Leeds.

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He said: "I have made the decision. It is no different to what I said weeks ago. His loan is up and he is coming back."

Pearson's comments could be an attempt to drive up the price the Foxes will ask for the player and it is not believed the powers-that-be at Elland Road have given up on striking a deal.

Whatever happens, Gradel is likely to start on the bench today as United make their first league visit to St James' Park. The clubs have met in the FA Cup but the prospect of the Yorkshire outfit visiting Devon has caused huge excitement in the area.

The Leeds party that flew to the south-west included Jermaine Beckford as the transfer saga involving the 26-year-old dragged on amid suggestions Newcastle are on the verge of increasing their offer.

Leeds's game with Millwall has been moved back to Monday, March 22 to be shown on Sky.