Andy Lonergan and Michael Johnson linked with Leeds… again! TSS July 24, 2011 Transfer News 51 Comments Excitement today as Leeds United fans await their newest addition. Simon Grayson revealed yesterday that he expected a new player to arrive by the end of the weekend so start the countdown everyone and brace yourselves for another enormous let-down as Sunday passes by without incident. The chances are, that if my extremely jaded prediction is proved wrong then the signing will be one of the trialists we’ve played in the last couple of games. However, there are a couple of other arguably more interesting rumours doing the rounds… Lon-again, off again… The loan deal to bring David Stockdale to Elland Road on a season long loan has apparently fallen through as Fulham and Leeds failed to agree on a 24-hour recall clause. Instead, Leeds United have turned their attention back to Andy Lonergan; a player who has already held unsuccessful talks with the Whites this summer. The news comes via a TalkSport interview with Preston North End’s outspoken manager Phil Brown – straight from the bright orange horse’s mouth basically. Could it be Magic? Once again, Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson is being linked with a season-long loan deal at Elland Road. Much like the Alan Smith speculation, this is just one of those rumours that refuses to go away. This time the origin of the rumour can be traced back to The Mirror who claim Gwyn Williams went to watch Johnson play only last week. There’s no denying Johnson would be a useful addition, but after a series of false starts, I’m not holding my breath that this time will be any different. There is some logic to the rumour however. Johnson featured just twice for Manchester City last season and is in desperate need of some first team action. He also supports Leeds United and publicly expressed his desire to join the Whites last December. City have no real need for money either, which is always a bonus when dealing with Ken Bates. Personally, I think there’s more chance Pete Doherty will learn from the death of his friend Amy Winehouse and turn his life around than there is of seeing Michael Johnson grace the hallowed turf of Elland Road, but we can keep dreaming I suppose.