Leeds United couldn't afford Alan Smith – Bates TSS August 10, 2011 Transfer News 29 Comments Ken Bates has today revealed that Alan Smith wanted to return to Elland Road but that the club couldn’t afford the wage contribution Newcastle United were demanding. In his latest Radio Bates interview the Leeds United chairman revealed that Newcastle United wanted The Whites to pay a third of Alan Smith’s wages – which works out at around £20,000 per week, or £1m per year. £20,000 per week is by no means unheard of in the Championship, but Leeds United’s wage cap means you’re not going to get such wages at Elland Road. In this instance, it’s probably wise not to as well. If we are going to break the bank for any player, I’d expect him to be one much better than Alan Smith who by his own admission is a shadow of his former self. Elsewhere, the deal that Simon Grayson said he was close to completing on Monday has fallen through with the other club deciding to pull out at the last minute. Bates Interview; Ken bates post bradford interview by Back2basics Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.