Grayson defends Leeds United decision on Schmeichel

Leicester City are due to open talks with the 24-year-old over a possible move to the Walkers Stadium that would reunite him with Sven Goran Eriksson, who Schmeichel played under at Manchester City and Notts County.

Schmeichel insists he wants to stay at Elland Road and see out the remaining year of his contract, something that Leeds do not want to happen if that then means he will leave on a free next summer.

Grayson made this point when it was revealed that United had accepted Leicester’s offer but has now moved to clarify that footballing reasons were the main reason behind his decision to let Schmeichel leave.

The Leeds manager said: “It is been something we have been looking at as I am trying to improve the back four or five of last year. When you concede the number of goals that we did, it is obviously an area where one or two players are vulnerable and we need to change it round slightly.

“I am always looking to improve. No-one’s position is safe because I am looking to do better than last year, and that is the line I am going down. You have to do that.

“There are good options for goalkeepers and defenders out there so this was a footballing decision, first and foremost. But, obviously, in this day and age with the Bosman ruling, it can quicken decisions up for you.

“When kasper goes, we have other alternatives that will make us better and keep progressing us. Those are the decisions you make at times and that is the decision we have taken at this moment in time.”

Leeds conceded 70 goals last season as they finished seventh in the Championship, three points adrift of Nottingham Forest in the final play-off place.

United expect to announce the signing of a new back-up goalkeeper in the next few days, having agreed a deal a couple of weeks ago. Schmeichel’s impending departure means Grayson must now also bring in a first choice ‘keeper with Coventry City’s Keiren Westwood a major target.