MEANWHILE BACK ON THE FARM

Last updated : 17 June 2004 By Editor

Firstly:

David Batty denies reports that he is to pursue a superbike career in USA after giving up football

Viduka to sign for 'Boro today, so says The Sun

The Daily Mail says that James Milner will move from Leeds, but they will oppose any move from United. You'd have thought they would be eternally grateful for us bailing them out two years ago, wouldn't you?

Duberry probably going to Wolves according to The Express and Matteo to anyone of Everton, 'Boro, City or Blackburn (depending where you read)

They plan to replace these players with Julian Joachim, Paul Butler (Wolves central defender) and a Mansfield player but miss out to WIGAN (YES) on someone called David Graham.

This pearl in The Yorkshire Post

Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell is ready to add Mansfield winger Liam Lawrence to his re-structured squad after missing out on the signing of Torquay striker David Graham.

A busy summer of transfer activity is already well underway at Elland Road with the over-paid old guard, relegated from the Premiership last term, replaced with bargain-basement alternatives.

Blackwell already has a number of players lined up but knows he must balance his ambition with the club's dire financial position.

Wages will be freed up once Michael Duberry, Mark Viduka and Dominic Matteo leave but, until they depart, it is unclear whether the manager can add to the four he has already signed.

Lawrence, who missed a penalty in the Division Three play-off final against Huddersfield, is out of contract and recently rejected the chance to join Crewe.

The 22-year-old is reportedly a target for Sunderland and was once wanted by Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore and Neil Warnock of Sheffield United.

Wigan, however, dashed Blackwell's hopes of signing prolific striker Graham. The Latics had an initial £200,000 bid for the 25-year-old Scot rejected, but landed their man by tabling an improved sum of £215,000, beating off interest from Leeds.

Torquay chairman Mike Bateson said: "On Monday it looked as though Leeds had won the battle, their offer to us was higher, but they were unable to match the personal terms offered to David by Wigan."