After Bates writes him off, Leeds ponder O’Brien future as loan deadline looms

O’Brien told manager Simon Grayson that he no longer wished to be part of the club’s first-team plans - prompting Ken Bates to say that the 32-year-old had effectively resigned.

But as his contract runs until 2013, Leeds have to decide what to do with him - a transfer out on loan being a possible option.

Clubs are making their final moves in the market today with the emergency deadline set to pass at 5pm.

Mr Bates said: “The only reason Leeds United employ Andy O’Brien is to play football for us. Now, he won’t do that then clearly he no longer wants to work for Leeds United.

“To my mind, that means he has resigned his position. As far as I personally am concerned, Andy O’Brien has left the club and we have moved on.

“We are looking forward without Andy O’Brien and the challenge for the other players is to come in and stake their claim. What happens in the future is what concerns me and not a player who doesn’t want to play for Leeds United.”