Archived News from June 2004
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LAWRENCE TO LEEDS?
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Daily Mail
Leeds are poised to replace Viduka with 22-year-old Liam Lawrence, whose 22 goals from midfield took Mansfield to the Third Division Play-off Final. They targeted him after being outbid on wages by Wigan for Torquay striker David Graham. ------------- 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. |
Latest | June 2004