Leeds finally land Lonergan

The 22-year-old has been a long-term target of manager Simon Grayson, who thought a £200,000 deal had been sealed a few weeks ago only for talks to break down over personal terms.

United, who had earlier missed out on Keiren Westwood after the Coventry goalkeeper opted to join Sunderland instead on a free transfer, then switched their attention to Fulham’s David Stockdale.

However, when the Premier League club insisted on a 24-hour recall clause being inserted in the deal, United baulked at the suggestion and turned again to Lonergan.

Grayson said: “This is something that has been on-going for a long time and some deals take longer to be concluded than others.

“Contrary to speculation, we have not been chasing a lot of goalkeepers. Andy was always my No 1 choice and I am glad to have got him.

“It adds competition to our goalkeeping position. Andy knows Paul Rachubka has done well in pre-season so the competition will be good.

“I am looking forward to the battle between them.”

Grayson has taken two of the four trialists who have been with the club over the past week or so to Norway for tonight’s friendly with Sandefjord.

French winger Alex Mendy and Hungarian left-back Boldiszar Bodor are the pair hoping to make a further impression in United’s penultimate friendly.

Two other trialists, former Aston Villa duo Isaiah Osbourne and Jlloyd Samuel, have not travelled through a combination of injury and wanting to work on fitness.

Tonight’s game will go ahead despite the two atrocities that last week plunged Norway in mourning.

Huddersfield Town midfielder Chris Atkinson has joined Blue Square Premier side Darlington on a six-month loan deal.

Bradford City, meanwhile, have told Lewis Hunt and Robbie Threlfall, who are both in the final year of their contracts, they are free to find a new club.