Hopes of Fabian Delph returning to Elland Road dominate the headlines around Leeds, but there are a few other stories to build January hopes…

Keith Andrews from Blackburn Rovers

Constantly linked with a move to Leeds United, Keith Andrews has returned to Blackburn Rovers following a successful loan spell with Ipswich Town.

After failing to land Andrews in the summer, it’s hard to see what may have changed at Elland Road allowing such a deal to go through now.

Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell has already conceded defeat in trying to sign him permanently, explaining that Andrews is holding out for a Premier League move during the current window.

Also standing in Leeds United’s way are his current club Blackburn Rovers, whose manager Steve Kean wants the central midfielder to stay and fight for a place in their starting XI.

Tom Lees to Bolton Wanderers

Sky Sports claim Leeds United youngster Tom Lees is attracting interested from Bolton Wanderers.

Considering the ongoing defensive troubles Simon Grayson has been dealing with, it seems highly unlikely that the Leeds United manager would be willing to part with the club’s most impressive central defender at this time.

Tom Lees contract at Elland Road runs until 2015 meaning Leeds United hold all the power and will be unwillingly to sell ‘on the cheap’ – especially when you consider that the hype surrounding the youngster is still growing and further interest will undoubtedly follow.

Taking the above into consideration it seems unlikely that The Whites would be willing to sell at this time. It would be naive to categorically rule out any move away from Elland Road, but a more likely scenario is that the club will wait for further interest that will increase his market value.

For any move to happen now, it would have to be an impossible to refuse offer like Aston Villa made for Fabian Delph. It’s difficult to imagine Bolton Wanderers making The Whites such an offer.

Matthew Pattison from Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Newcastle United and Norwich City midfielder, Matthew Pattison is currently on trial with Leeds United.

It seems the South African is struggling to get a game in his homeland, after returning there in 2009 to play for Mamelodi Sundowns. Pattison returns to England seeking a permanent deal at Elland Road with a week-long trial period to prove himself worthy.

According to the local rumour mill, both Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers have offered Aidy White a contract for the end of this season.

I don’t usually comment on unsubstantiated rumours, but Aidan White is a local lad and I’ve been contacted by a few people claiming to know his family so there may actually be some truth to this one.

It’s also quite feasible that Premier League clubs would take a gamble on young Aidy. With his contract at Leeds due to expire, a relatively small fee is all they’d have to pay Leeds United (for developing him as a youngster).

That just leaves his wages and a signing on fee, which the likes of Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers won’t bat an eyelid at. It’s basically a no-lose gamble for the Premier League clubs and a great opportunity for White.

I suspect Aidan White’s decision will be based upon Leeds’ finish to the season. If we can’t perform a miraculous turnaround on current form, then I predict a mass exodus of players this summer.

The problem we currently have is there is very little hope. After finishing 7th in 2010-11, we need a play-off finish to convince players we’re heading in the right direction. Otherwise, we’re left in a situation where there’s no investment in the team and we’re stagnating in the Championship – they might as well play for Middlesbrough.

In other news, Charlie Taylor has been loaned out to Bradford City, Andy Keogh has returned to Wolves and Andros Townsend has joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur providing a rare moment of cheer in an otherwise gloomy existence. Put down those razorblades…

BBC Wales recently aired a documentary in memory of former Leeds, Newcastle United, Everton and Bolton Wanderers legend Gary Speed.

For those that haven’t yet seen the documentary, the video has now been uploaded to YouTube and available to view below.

January exit for Bradders?

With Bradley Johnson and Leeds United still unable to agree terms on a new contract at Elland Road, and with the Whites chairman initiating a heated war of words last week, speculation over the midfielders future grows with Sky Sports now linking him to four different clubs.

With N’Zogbia and Cleverly expected to leave Wigan in the January transfer window, Sky Sports claims Roberto Martinez may see Bradley Johnson as an ideal replacement.

Leeds United fans have been largely indifferent to the news that Bradley Johnson may be leaving, but Simon Grayson will be more concerned with such suggestions as the midfielder is a regular figure in his Leeds United side having made over 100 appearances since joining the club in 2007.

Andy O'Brien with Leeds until January

Leeds have agreed a deal with Bolton Wanderers to extend defender Andy O’Brien’s stay at Elland Road.

The 31 year old defender has been in impressive form during his short time at Leeds and has definitely added some much needed experience to the back line. He is said to be enjoying his time in Yorkshire and is delighted to extend his stay through until January 4^th.

Leeds are unbeaten in the five games O’Brien has played and he even managed to grab a goal in the draw against Hull City. Saturday’s game against Reading was to be the last of his initial loan deal but chairman Ken Bates has hinted at the possibility of keeping O’Brien beyond January.

Though I had doubts about the signing of a 31 year old when O’Brien arrived and despite lingering worries about the number of goals we’re still shipping there’s no doubt that the Bolton man has been a calming influence on our defence and I’m happy to see him extend his stay.

Gary Speed MBE

Gary Speed back in the day

We start with the news that former Leeds United midfielder, Gary Speed, has been awarded a MBE for his contribution to the game.

Speed made his début for Leeds United in 1989 and went on to make 312 appearances for the club, scoring 57 goals in the process. He also boasts a record of 85 caps for Wales, the most capped outfield player ever.

Speaking of the advice which guided him through his impressive career, Speed said;

“The best advice I was given was to try your best, and remember you never stop learning. I was still learning about the game when I retired from playing.”

After eight years at Elland Road, Speed left Leeds for Everton before he made further transfers to Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, eventually retiring at 41 years old after 22 years in the game. Gary Speed’s love for the game remains however, and although he’s now hung up his boots for the final time, he’s decided to stay in Sheffield as a coach.

Speed was one of my favourite players during his time at Leeds United. I always admired his work ethic, skill and determination. He was always on hand to chip in with a few goals here and there too, and it was a sad day when he left for Everton. Congratulations to Gary on his MBE – I think everyone will agree, he fully deserves it!

Grayson gains an influential fan

Speaking about Simon Grayson’s 2009-10 season, Leeds United legend, Norman Hunter was quick to offer praise to the current Leeds United manager saying that;

“We can all manage when things are going well. You turn the team out and make substitutions and they all pay off for you. But you are tested when things start going against you and things did turn badly against us and Simon came of age in a way.

“Simon stuck to his guns and was very positive and I think he handled the Beckford situation brilliantly.

“He left him out because of what Max Gradel did and he, as much as anybody, lifted the spirits with four or five games to go when he was absolutely brilliant for us. It was good management on Simon’s part and fair play to him as there were times when we were struggling a bit.”

Norman Hunter will know how hard things can be when everything seems to be going against you. Whilst it was difficult for us, as fans, to watch Leeds United fall to pieces last season, looking back now, you have to admire the dignity and determination with which Simon Grayson handled the slip in form. As Hunter says, he ‘stuck to his guns’ and kept faith his team and his own ability to select the right squad and tactics.

Whilst many of us were busy being armchair managers last season, picking flaws in what he did with the handy benefit of hindsight, Larry continued working hard and eventually got his just rewards. A lesser manager would have buckled to the pressure coming from the fans, and changed the team to suit their cries. Larry did indeed grow as a manager last season – let’s just hope it’s enough to take on the Championship.

Tommy Spurr anyone?

Tommy Spurr

Finally, we come to the rumour mills latest delivery. This time, it’s 22-year old left-back, Tommy Spurr who currently plays for relegated Sheffield Wednesday.

Born in Leeds, Tommy  grew up a Leeds United fan, and his family remain supporters. Young enough to develop with the club, and I’m told by a Wednesday fan he’s a very capable young defender. The only stumbling block could be that Tommy is under contract at Wednesday, so would command a fee.

Leeds United did go in for Lee Barnard, but were beaten to his signature by Southampton.  Apparently, the reason he chose Southampton over Elland Road is because he didn’t want to move north, which would make sense. Clearly, this was never about climbing the ladder for Lee, or he’d have definitely chose Leeds. No disrespect at all meant to Southampton, who I fully expect to make the play-offs, but promotion is still a dot on the horizon for them. The play-offs are a bit of a lottery that everyone wants to avoid (especially us).

£10m bids for Beckford?

This mornings papers are claiming that Leeds may now receive offers in the region of £10,000,000 for Jermaine Beckford! I was willing to help him pack and drive him where ever when people were quoting £3m, but for £10m I’ll carry him to the next club on my shoulders. Whilst I don’t doubt the FA Cup games have turned a few heads, football will have gone to a whole new level of crazy if we get £10m for Jermaine.

Maximum impact

Max Gradel should become our first permanent signing of the January transfer window today as he undertakes the necessary medical at Elland Road. The Ivorian youngster impressed Leeds United fans immediately after arriving on loan three months ago and there’s been calls for Grayson to ‘sign him up’ ever since.

Max has clearly enjoyed his time at Leeds United and spurred on by the overwhelming love he’s received from the clubs supporters, he almost immediately handed in a transfer request on his return to Leicester.

Return of Rose?

According to The People, Leeds are preparing to make a move for former academy starlet Danny Rose, who currently plays for FA Cup opponents, Tottenham Hotspur.

Rose met his former club in Saturday’s clash and gave a pretty impressive performance throughout. However, the appearence was a rare treat for the youngster who has spent most of his time so far out on loan. It’s believed Bolton (who are coincidentally our opponents in round 5, should we beat Tottenham) are also hoping to get Danny in on loan. Rose is believed to prefer a move to another Premier League club so the chances of him returning to Leeds are slim.

Snoddy here to stay

They say always end on a high and today, that particular high is provided by Robert Snodgrass who hit all the right notes after our draw with Tottenham telling The Times that he didn’t want to leave Leeds United;

“If they don’t want to sell me, I don’t want to leave, there’s no point. This team will be there at some point in the next two years.

“Everything is set up to go right back to the top.

“There’s no point being here if you think it stops when we get to the Championship.”

Reading between the lines, that statement could be taken as a bit of a dig at Jermaine Beckford, but in another interview Snoddy defended our “lazy” wantaway striker;

“Becks is just a clinical finisher and he’s rapid. Sometimes people say he doesn’t work too hard but you have to pick and choose.

“What do you want? Do you want the goals or do you want a striker who works hard? I think I prefer the goals, to be fair.”

Goals vs work rate? Where have I heard that argument before…

Although it’s hard not to be a little sceptical of these rumours, it’s hard to ignore them when so many teams are being linked. Over the summer there was plenty of teams linked too, but with everything quiet in Newcastle, this would seem an obvious explanation as to why. Ken Bates may have started a bidding war.

The major difference between now and six months ago would be price. In the summer, Leeds had Jermaine tied down for another twelve months so could afford to wait for a good offer. With Jermaine requesting a transfer and Leeds pressed for time, a cut price deal could now be struck by one of these clubs.

You have to also consider the teams current positions. Six months ago, Bolton, Hull and Wolves didn’t know they’d be fighting for survival with a lack of strength upfront. Sunderland meanwhile are probably just in it to annoy Newcastle, but if Jermaine could produce the goods at the highest level, it could make the difference between a top half or bottom half finish for them.

I’m a bit overwhelmed by the amount of links this morning has spawned so I really don’t know what to make of any of them. I remain unconvinced as to whether Jermaine could cut it at the highest level, but if the scouts think so then you have to trust their better judgement.

January is a crazy time when clubs have just 31 days to strengthen their squad for the final push each season. With that in mind, I honestly think anythings possible. Some of these clubs could have only just noticed Beckford from his goal at Old Trafford and figure he could produce that week in, week out in the Prem.

I still think the lads hearts set on Newcastle. Over the last few days it’s seemed like both he and his agent have been trying to engineer the move, so it would seem inevitable. If Bates thinks he could get more money by Jermaine going elsewhere though, he could be in for a battle.

The easiest rumour to dismiss is that of Wolves. It’s claimed that a deal involving Sam Vokes plus cash has already been rejected by Leeds. For me, that’s an easy link and lazy journalism at it’s best. Seems like this is going to run and run either way.

"Not Leeds United's, that's for sure!"

After a year of speculation surrounding the strikers future, things began to look ominous in January when Newcastle were linked to the striker and their manager confirmed he was interested.

As well as Newcastle, other clubs can’t be ruled out with Aston Villa allegedly interested too and the bookies offering odds of 2/1 with him moving there, although these are likely to change in light of current news.

The striker, who won the Leeds United fans hearts when he dismissed initial transfer speculation a couple of years ago with the famous line ‘What shirt am I wearin’ bruv?’ has had a turbulent time since he refused to sign a contract in the summer, with the fans unhappy with his lack of commitment.

After a tough time leading up to Christmas, Beckford answered his critics in style by hitting five goals in three games, culminating in the famous goal that knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup and gave Leeds their first win at Old Trafford for 29 years. 

UPDATE: Leeds United have confirmed Jermaine Beckford’s transfer request and issued a statement saying that although Beckford has handed a transfer request in, he will only be allowed to move if it is in the best interests of the club. Explaining that;

“The best interests of Leeds United involve receiving both an acceptable transfer fee and securing a suitable replacement to ensure his departure does not have an adverse effect on the club’s overall aim of securing promotion back to the Coca-Cola Championship”

It’s also worth nothing that Beckford’s transfer request was handed in on December the 30th, before our historic FA Cup win at Old Trafford.

Jermaine Beckford has had an impressive start to the season scoring five times already and with no new contract signed, he still remains at the centre of much speculation.

Much of the speculation is coming from Bolton’s local rag who claim Gary Megson will make a £3m move for Jermaine should his bid for Nantes forward Ivan Klasnic fail. It now appears this move has failed so it’ll be a worrying 24 hours for Leeds fans.

Should Jermaine remain a Leeds United player after the deadline tomorrow, and should Leeds fail to secure a new contract with him, the next danger will be the January window where he’ll be allowed to sign a pre-contract with another club. Simon Grayson and Ken Bates have repeatedly said they’ll happily see him leave on a free at the end of the season if he can score the goals that get us promoted in this one. I suspect that they’ll try again to extend Jermaine’s contract before the January window and his decision will depend on current league standings.

Meanwhile, Leeds have signed former Sheffield United defender Leigh Bromby for £250,000. Bromby joins a four year deal and is the first transfer of the summer where Leeds have spent money. 

With Rui and Kisnorbo away on international duty this weekend it’s likely he’ll make his debut against Stockport. I had wondered why Grayson felt we needed another defender but it appears Bromby is adaptable and can play at left and right back so provides more options.

*Edited from midnight to 5pm. Transfer deadline is usually 12pm on the final day of August but has been altered to 5pm on the 1st of September due to the bank holiday.