Stephen Warnock is reported to be on the verge of a move to Derby County, subject to a medical.

The medical bit may prove to be an issue after the ankle injury he picked up on December 30th, ironically against Derby, but if the deal does go through he will sign an 18 month deal with the Rams. There is no mention of the size of the fee involved (if any) but it’s not likely to be much for a player who has only half a season left on his current Leeds contract.

Many Leeds fans will be sorry to see him go, as he has been one of our most consistent performers this season, but he had already been told that his stay at Leeds wasn’t going to be extended. Massimo Cellino is trying to reduce the wage bill as the club is still in a difficult financial position, and Warnock was one of the highest earning players in the squad.

His number seemed to be up earlier in the season when he fell out with Cellino after a mobile-phone themed goal celebration when he scored against Bolton. That was a reference to a call Cellino made to Dave Hockaday before the game at Watford to instruct our hapless ‘head coach’ to leave Warnock out of the side.

Warnock was dropped for a couple of games after that episode, and though he was subsequently restored to the side it was always likely that Cellino was going to move him on at the earliest opportunity. The best you can say is that as Warnock is now 33 his departure will help us to look to the future, but that will depend on whether the remaining squad will be able to keep us in the Championship this season.

Unless we’re going to sign a cheaper left-back as a replacement we are now going to have to rely on young Charlie Taylor, who has looked dependable in that role so far, although his crossing is in need of a bit of work. Aidy White could be a possible option, though he seems to be another player who is well out of favour.

Other news today is that Scott Wootton has returned from his loan spell at Rotherham United, which may or may not be linked to Warnock’s departure. Considering he cost £1 million he has been a big disappointment for Leeds so far, but by all accounts he has done well for the Millers, who have only lost once in the seven games he’s played for them.

Rotherham are interested in extending his loan, but as he can play across the back four we might now need him as cover.

Photo: Action Images

tykemaster22 added 14:34 - Jan 12 It was impossible for Warnock to play any worse than last season. He makes last ditch tackles because he so frequently gets beaten for pace or caught out of position. I don,t confuse shouting at team mates when it,s your own fault as passion. I,m absolutely flabbergasted Derby are prepared to pay a fee for him. We have players who are more than capable of covering his position(Berardi,Taylor,Del Fabro) all as good if not better. Big wage off the bill and no great loss. MOT

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