Simon Grayson is set to make his first capture of the summer, following their narrow failure to make this season's Championship play-offs. The former Leicester fullback is said to be concerned at the lack of experience and nous in his young team and has made an early move to snap up Coventry midfielder Lee Carsley, who will be installed as the new captain at Elland Road for next season.
Carsley is leaving the Ricoh Arena after his second spell at Coventry and Grayson feels that he can do a job in the mold of former Leeds favourite Shaun Derry, who has been instrumental in QPR's promotion campaign. Grayson did enquire about the availability of Derry but the player's representatives have indicated that he is keen to attempt to secure a spot in the Hoops' Premier League squad.
This news will stoke further speculation as to the future of Bradley Johnson, who has been watched with interest by Burnley, Millwall and Watford in recent weeks.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Return of the Mac?
Former Hereford favourite Michael McIndoe is being linked with an emotional return to Edgar Street following his release by Coventry City. The Scottish winger was told by Coventry boss Andy Thorn this morning that his contract would not be renewed when it expires at the end of June and rookie Bulls boss Jamie Pitman has already expressed an interest in signing the left midfielder.
McIndoe has played at a number of top clubs such as Wolves, Bristol City and Coventry in recent years, so wages could be a stumbling block, but he is grateful for the club's efforts in past years in helping him overcome his alcohol and gambling addictions, and may therefore be receptive to a move, despite United's lowly finish in League Two this season.
Meanwhile, Coventry are looking to revamp their squad, with Thorn reportedly keen on out-of-favour QPR forward Leon Clarke and Sheffield United centre-half Neill Collins.
Murphy's Laws
Sheffield United have acted swiftly following the sacking of manager Micky Adams, by approaching former Burnley boss Brian Laws to take the reigns at Bramall Lane. Laws left Turf Moor earlier this year and is keen to make a swift return to football - the Blades are interested in the ex-Nottingham Forest man having already paid off several managers this year, and the lack of compensation to be paid, coupled with his lower league experience, is a big factor in the choice.
Laws has already looked to former club Scunthorpe for his first signing, said to be goalkeeper Joe Murphy. Murphy has performed strongly despite The Iron's relegation and although United will be playing at the same level as the Lincolnshire club next season, he understandably sees them as a bigger club at whom he can really push on with his career. As a result, Steve Simonsen's days in Sheffield are likely to be numbered, with a move to Brentford already being rumoured.
Laws has already looked to former club Scunthorpe for his first signing, said to be goalkeeper Joe Murphy. Murphy has performed strongly despite The Iron's relegation and although United will be playing at the same level as the Lincolnshire club next season, he understandably sees them as a bigger club at whom he can really push on with his career. As a result, Steve Simonsen's days in Sheffield are likely to be numbered, with a move to Brentford already being rumoured.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Over the Hill
Veteran defender Clint Hill is set to be the first victim of Neil Warnock's clear out at QPR, following the West Londoners' promotion to the Premier League. Hill has performed admirably in the last two seasons and has worked with Warnock extensively through his career, but has been told that he is surplus to requirements and can leave on a free transfer. A close pal of Hill told us: "Clint is devastated. He knows he's approaching the end of his career but to be told days after winning the title that he can go, well, it's like a bullet to the head".
Former club Crystal Palace, Barnsley and Watford are all already showing a keen interest in signing the Scouser - though the player himself has not ruled out an intriguing emotional return to his first club, Tranmere Rovers, in a player/coach role. Meanwhile QPR are targeting a number of left-backs to replace him, including Wolves' Stephen Ward (as revealed to you by The Insider last week), Paul Konchesky of Liverpool, and David Murphy of Birmingham.
Former club Crystal Palace, Barnsley and Watford are all already showing a keen interest in signing the Scouser - though the player himself has not ruled out an intriguing emotional return to his first club, Tranmere Rovers, in a player/coach role. Meanwhile QPR are targeting a number of left-backs to replace him, including Wolves' Stephen Ward (as revealed to you by The Insider last week), Paul Konchesky of Liverpool, and David Murphy of Birmingham.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Commons' People Help The Aged
Birmingham City are set to make a move for Celtic star Kris Commons, just months after he joined the Glasgow giants from Derby County.
Boss Alex McLeish has been alerted that the winger has failed to settle in Scotland and feels that his brand of mercurial play can help bring some life to what has been a tepid, and indeed aging squad this season for the Midlanders. Chilean winger Jean Beausejour has failed to convince since his move to England and Spurs loanee David Bentley will be sent back to his parent club after a disastrous spell, so Blues are desperate to secure some extra width in anticipation of the current campaign.
Celtic are understandably disappointed that the player wishes to leave so soon after joining, but having seen the difficulties that Shaun Maloney had when moving to Aston Villa, they appreciate that life in the West Midlands is very different to that in the west of Scotland and will allow Commons to leave for a fee of around £1.5m.
Boss Alex McLeish has been alerted that the winger has failed to settle in Scotland and feels that his brand of mercurial play can help bring some life to what has been a tepid, and indeed aging squad this season for the Midlanders. Chilean winger Jean Beausejour has failed to convince since his move to England and Spurs loanee David Bentley will be sent back to his parent club after a disastrous spell, so Blues are desperate to secure some extra width in anticipation of the current campaign.
Celtic are understandably disappointed that the player wishes to leave so soon after joining, but having seen the difficulties that Shaun Maloney had when moving to Aston Villa, they appreciate that life in the West Midlands is very different to that in the west of Scotland and will allow Commons to leave for a fee of around £1.5m.
Bow Selector
With speculation continuing to rage over the future of former England midfielder Lee Bowyer, it is clear that he has four distinct choices; to stay at his current club Birmingham City, or to join Leeds United, Nottingham Forest or Derby County.
Blues have responded to the growing interest in the veteran by belatedly offering him a deal to stay at the club for another year, but it is thought that Bowyer is unhappy that he was snubbed for so long in this regard and is looking for a lucrative free transfer move, likely to be the last of his career, even if it means dropping down a division. A pal of the Londoner told us: "Lee feels let down by Birmingham. He's given his all for them and is a real fans' favourite, but they couldn't be bothered offering him a new contract until they heard others were interested. He feels used, to be honest."
Leeds remain the front-runners for the ex-Newcastle man's signature but East Midlands compatriots Forest and Derby will not give in easily in a chase for a player both regard as vital in their pursuit of success next season.
Blues have responded to the growing interest in the veteran by belatedly offering him a deal to stay at the club for another year, but it is thought that Bowyer is unhappy that he was snubbed for so long in this regard and is looking for a lucrative free transfer move, likely to be the last of his career, even if it means dropping down a division. A pal of the Londoner told us: "Lee feels let down by Birmingham. He's given his all for them and is a real fans' favourite, but they couldn't be bothered offering him a new contract until they heard others were interested. He feels used, to be honest."
Leeds remain the front-runners for the ex-Newcastle man's signature but East Midlands compatriots Forest and Derby will not give in easily in a chase for a player both regard as vital in their pursuit of success next season.
Emergency Ward?
Although the decision whether or not to dock QPR points at the upcoming FA hearing into the transfer of Alejandro Faurlin has yet to be made, Hoops boss Neil Warnock has already drawn up a shortlist of players who he believes will prepare the R's for Premier League survival, in their first top flight campaign since 1995/6.
Top of the list is Wolves utility man Stephen Ward. The Irishman was signed from Bohemians in January 2007 for a mere €150,000 and has shown his versatility with displays as a striker, on the left of midfield and latterly as a left-back. However, he has a love-hate relationship with the Molineux faithful and is thought to be keen on a fresh start elsewhere. A close pal of Ward told us: "Stephen has really enjoyed his time at Wolves but feels that it's time to move on now before it starts getting really nasty. He has a chance of breaking into the Ireland team but that isn't going to happen while his own fans are booing him."
Wanderers supremo Mick McCarthy is a huge fan of the player and would be unlikely to be willing to part with him cheaply. However, a transfer request from the Dubliner may sway his mind and a bid in the region of £2m may well persuade Mick that a parting of the ways is best for all concerned. Warnock has earmarked Ward to be his first choice left back next season, to replace veteran Clint Hill.
Top of the list is Wolves utility man Stephen Ward. The Irishman was signed from Bohemians in January 2007 for a mere €150,000 and has shown his versatility with displays as a striker, on the left of midfield and latterly as a left-back. However, he has a love-hate relationship with the Molineux faithful and is thought to be keen on a fresh start elsewhere. A close pal of Ward told us: "Stephen has really enjoyed his time at Wolves but feels that it's time to move on now before it starts getting really nasty. He has a chance of breaking into the Ireland team but that isn't going to happen while his own fans are booing him."
Wanderers supremo Mick McCarthy is a huge fan of the player and would be unlikely to be willing to part with him cheaply. However, a transfer request from the Dubliner may sway his mind and a bid in the region of £2m may well persuade Mick that a parting of the ways is best for all concerned. Warnock has earmarked Ward to be his first choice left back next season, to replace veteran Clint Hill.
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