Leeds United clarify O’Brien position

The Yorkshire-born defender is alleged by the club to have refused to play against Burnley in the Championship on Saturday.

The Leeds statement read: “Central defender Andy O’Brien was omitted from Saturday’s squad at Burnley after informing manager Simon Grayson he had no wish to be involved in the game.

“The former Newcastle and Bolton defender spoke with the manager on Friday and informed him he had no wish to play for the club again.

“The club will decide Andy’s long-term future this week.”

The deadline for loan deals is Thursday and Leeds’s Championship rivals West Ham have been linked with a move for O’Brien.

In Tuesday’s Yorkshire Post, Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has his say.