Redfearn deal ‘before the weekend’ as Leeds agree new wage package

Redfearn has confirmed that he and president Massimo Cellino have agreed a new wage package for the Academy manager, removing a major obstacle from negotiations between them.

And proud Redfearn now hopes to be named the club’s new permanent head coach before Saturday’s Championship trip to Cardiff City.

Speaking in Thursday’s pre-Cardiff press conference at Thorp Arch, Redfearn said of his pending appointment: “It’s very close.

“I had a good chat with Massimo on Wednesday and we went through one or two things.

“He’s coming back and we are not that far away so it’s looking good.

“As it stands to me, it looks right and if we can get it done before the weekend than great. That’s ideally what I’d like.

“It’s a massive honour and I’m very proud.

“Obviously I wanted some assurances about the conversations that I had with him before - where he saw me at the club and the club going forward.

“He said I was the future of the club and I just wanted to know if that was still the case and he said, ‘yeah you are still the future of the club’ so that’s obviously got to be reflected in the contract and with certain things. “

Asked if a salary had been agreed, Redfearn said: “Yes and the salary was never ever going to be the major stumbling block but obviously I want to be here for the long term.

“I’ve developed this Academy and it’s just starting to come to the boil in terms of getting these kids through.

“If we can continue that and I can add the right players to it - these kids are going to be the benefit of this club for years to come and I can see all that taking place. “I want to be part of that.”