Warnock: My legacy for Leeds

Warnock, who signed Jason Pearce on a £500,000 four-year deal from Portsmouth last week, says his strategy is aimed at securing long-term assets and avoiding the need for another overhaul of the Elland Road squad in 12 months’ time.

Warnock plans to retire in a year’s time and hopes to cap his career with promotion to the Premiership for Leeds. It would be his eighth as a manager.

He said: “Some of the players I sign won’t only be good value. They’ll be an investment as well. They’re not all going to be 37 years old, giving me one year here. They’re going to be hungry lads who I hope I can make into better players.

“Some will be resaleable rather than money spent stupidly.”

Warnock could now bid for two other Portsmouth players, midfielder David Norris and striker Luke Varney. Their outgoing club needs to raise cash to stave off insolvency.