Leeds chasing Nottm Forest youngster

El Tel: Wants Dawson
By Paul Holmes
October 6 2002

Premiership Leeds United are hot on the tail of Nottingham Forest starlet Michael Dawson.

The 18-year-old has attracted many admirers with his commanding performances in the heart of the Forest defence this season. So much so that several Premiership teams, including Leeds and Newcastle, are preparing to launch bids for the youngster.

Leeds boss Terry Venables is keen to add a young centre back to boost his squad and eventually replace the ageing Lucas Radabe. It is thought that Venables would first have to sell to raise the funds but overall the cash should be available.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is another big fan of the youngster but having splashed out in the summer on the likes of Titus Bramble and Hugo Vianna, raising the funds may not come easy.

Forest will be keen to hold onto Dawson. Despite the club not yet out of financial trouble, boss Paul Hart is keen to hold onto his squad which is looking more and more likely to charge for promotion this season. That includes keeping hold of midfielder David Prutton who is attracting interest from Aston Villa amongst others.