Leeds transfer roundup

By Andy Baggott
July 8 2004

The outgoings continued yesterday as skipper Dominic Matteo joined the mass exodus when he joined Blackburn for a free transfer. The Scot was one of the most popular players at Elland road with the fans, and unlike some departures in the last couple of years, will leave with the fans best wishes.

From the end of last season, we have already witnessed the departure of Robinson, Olembe, Domi, Camara, Pennant, Sakho, Batty, Wilcox, Mcphail, Smith, Milner, Barmby Bridges and Matteo. Expected to join that ever growing list in the next 48 hours are Viduka, Harte and Duberry. Leeds are also desperate to offload Danny Mills, but the ex Charlton defender appears to be sitting tight on his contract, and his huge wage demands are seemingly scaring off potential buyers. Offers for Eirik Bakke will be listened to, whilst another player Leeds want to lose is Seth Johnson. However, the midfielder is currently out with a serious knee injury, so no team will go near him until he proves his fitness.

On the positive side, Leeds appear to have stepped up the chase for Richard Chaplow – the Burnley man seems to be boss Kevin Blackwells number one target with the money from the Milner sale. Further stories are linking us with David Unsworth, Brian Deane and Marlon Harewood, as well as a variety of goalkeepers. With the new season just a month away, expect a frantic couple of weeks, as Leeds look set to bring in, according to Peyter Lorimor, another 4 players….