Leeds United eager to block off exit door

Nine members of the first-team squad at Elland Road have less than 12 months to run on their current deals – meaning they could walk away for free next summer.

With memories of Jermaine Beckford's exit to Everton still fresh in the memory, there is understandable concern among supporters that a repeat could see the likes of Neil Kilkenny, Luciano Becchio, Bradley Johnson and Patrick Kisnorbo follow the striker out the door for nothing.

Only one of the nine – transfer-listed Andy Robinson – is deemed surplus to requirements by Grayson, the remaining four whose deals run out next summer being captain Richard Naylor, Shane Higgs, Davide Somma and Andrew Hughes.

Discussions were opened with the majority during the summer only to stall.

Leeds manager Grayson said: "Shaun (Harvey, chief executive) will be speaking to them in the next few days, weeks or whatever. The window only shut last week but I am sure it is on the agenda for Shaun to speak to their representatives.

"Sometimes you can't do much about it. Players – no matter what you might be offering them – are within their rights to turn any offers down and walk out (at the end of their) contracts.

"That is what happens. In the summer, we brought in one or two players who were on free transfers and that is what the Bosman ruling has done.

"We will try to keep the players but if they feel that they are going to move on to bigger and better things by leaving on a free transfer next summer then we can't do much about that apart from offer them deals which we think are their value."

Beckford's decision to quit on a free transfer last summer came after he had turned down several contract offers from the Elland Road club.

In that instance, United's hand was forced by the striker's insistence on holding out for a five-figure weekly salary despite being at a club who were then in League One. Beckford has since signed a contract with Everton that is worth a reputed 20,000 per week.

Leeds will be desperate to avoid a repeat, especially with the likes of Kilkenny, Johnson and Becchio being in their mid-20s and, therefore, approaching their prime years as footballers.

The situation surrounding Kisnorbo, the club's Player of the Year in 2009-10, is complicated by the defender not being due to return from a ruptured Achilles until the New Year.

Asked specifically about the 29-year-old Australian, Grayson said: "In terms of Paddy, it has to be a two-way thing.

"We have got to be loyal to him to try and sort something out because he was a fantastic player for us. But he has got to understand that we can't really offer him a contract until he has maybe proved that he is back to full fitness.

"It is a tricky situation but I like to think I have got a relationship with Paddy where we can be honest with each other and do whatever we can."

United yesterday confirmed the signing of Amdy Faye on a short-term contract until the New Year.

The 33-year-old Senegal international was a free agent following his release by Stoke City and impressed Grayson sufficiently when playing for the reserves in midweek to be offered a deal.

He said: "Amdy played for the reserves and was everything we expected. He has good quality and pedigree, even if he was a little short of fitness."

Faye, who made just one appearance for Stoke last season, is unlikely to feature in tomorrow's home game with Swansea City as Leeds chase a third consecutive Championship win.

Grayson added: "It has been encouraging but there is still a long way to go.

"We have conceded first in a few games so far and shown great resilience to hit back. But we need to start better.

"Last season, every time we scored first we never lost and that is where we want to be coming from this season. We don't want to have to chase games.

"Swansea are a top team. They are a bit more expansive than how we want to play but have some fantastic players."

Grayson also confirmed he is willing to allow striker Mike Grella to go out on loan to gain experience.