Elland RoadIt’s been a busy day of seemingly conflicting news stories for Leeds United.

Firstly there’s Ross McCormack who’s been at the centre of transfer speculation all summer, mostly linking him with a move to Blackpool. While Ross has continued to deny any interest in leaving Elland Road, the speculation has continued and the Scottish striker is now being linked with a move to Middlesbrough.

Brian McDermott has made clear he has no interest in selling Ross McCormack, yet the Evening Gazette claim the Leeds United manager “is prepared to offload the Scottish international for the right price.”

There is undoubtedly pressure on McDermott to reduce Leeds United’s wage bill, but McCormack is considered a key player so a move does seem unlikely. However, the Evening Gazette say Middlesbrough are hoping to complete the signing within 24 hours.

Elsewhere, McDermott started the day by telling press his fourth signing is proving difficult to complete and that he may have to admit defeat.

Most took that as a sign that he didn’t have the money – whether that’s the transfer fee, wages, or a bit of both, Leeds United didn’t appear to have the budget to complete any new signings. No real surprise, that’s been the general understanding of our situation for most of the summer.

However, a few hours later, Salah Nooruddin is being interviewed by Ben Jacobs when he drops this bombshell;

“We have told Brian to get one or two more players before the window shuts and we will support him financially…”

Perhaps then, McDermott has a little more money to play with than we’d realised and the ‘fourth signing’ is just a matter of wage or transfer fee demands Leeds United aren’t prepared to meet. After all, we’re in no position to take the Peter Ridsdale approach to transfer negotiations (ask what they want then offer double…)

It is silly season I remind myself, things rarely make sense at this time of year.

In other news, Nooruddin dismissed reports linking the club with investment/sponsorship from Red Bull, Saudi Princes and the Bahraini royal family.

You can listen to Salah Nooruddin’s full interview with Ben Jacobs below.