EIRIK SET TO GO BAKKE TO LEEDS

By Ryan Ghee
January 18 2006

Eirik Bakke will not continue his stay at Villa Park after Leeds United refused to extend the Norwegian's three-month loan.

David O'Leary had made it clear that he wanted to keep Bakke at the club until at least the end of the season but with Leeds only willing to let him leave on a permanent deal and Villa without any transfer funds, it appears that the midfielder will return to Elland Road prematurely.

O'Leary, who has been a big fan of Bakke since his time as Leeds United manager, commented, "If Leeds want us to buy Eirik now or make a commitment like that, he would go back. I'm not in a position to do that."