Leeds United open contract talks to avoid another Beckford scenario

But the club have also warned that any new deals must fit into their wage structure.

Johnson, 23, is one of nine first-team players at Elland Road whose contracts run out at the end of the season. Among the other high-profile players whose deals expire in the summer are Neil Kilkenny, Davide Somma, Luciano Becchio, Richard Naylor, Andrew Hughes and Patrick Kisnorbo.

A United spokesman said: "Leeds United have not agreed terms with any of our out-of-contract players at this stage, but discussions are continuing.

"We remain committed to keeping all the players but only inside a wage structure that is manageable."

As previously reported in the Yorkshire Post, talks with the representatives of the players began last summer but were then put on hold until the closing of the transfer window.

The talks were then resumed in September as Leeds look to avoid a repeat of the saga that saw Jermaine Beckford run down his contract before leaving for Everton on a free transfer.

Sources suggesting Johnson had rejected a new deal will, no doubt, have alerted a host of clubs as to the midfielder's possible availability.

He is, along with Jonny Howson, one of just two players to have featured in all 14 of United's Championship games this season.