Are Leeds set to part-company with five big names in the summer?

A newspaper article last week portrayed Jean-Marc Bosman as a fat, exiled alky living in his mum's garage near Liege. However twenty-years after he instigated his freedom of movement argument in the European courts that changed the football-transfer market forever, the effects are still being felt in LS11.

Leeds have FIVE players who's contracts expire in the summer and there appears to be no rush to offer new-deals.

Bradley Johnson, Neil Kilkenny, Shane Higgs, Patrick Kisnorbo and Richard Naylor could possibly leave in the summer on a free.

Johnson's contractual differences are well-publicised, although since the so-called last and final offer was rejected he has bust a gut - hopefully to try and prise an extra few quid out of Papa Smurf should we (whisper it) go up.

Neil Kilkenny is another in form player who deserves being offered a new deal at the very least, however maybe it is a case of player/club cautiously biding their time until we know what Division we will be in next season? The encouraging news was, our Aussie bargain signing from Brum did indicate before Christmas he wished to stay in West Yorkshire.

The fate of Higgs, Kisnorbo and Naylor is surely less complicated? Higgs has got to be content with being second-fiddle to Kasper Schmeichel and lets face it, back-up goalies are ten-a-penny nowadays-maybe there will be options in the summer for Larry to bring in an "unattached keeper" eg: one in a similar situation to Higgs.

Kisnorbo is a good option, when fit. he was of course last-season's fans and player of the season but it has been over a year since he last played and despite his popularity, Leeds would be rightfully wary offering him a new-contract.

Former captain and dyed-in-the-wool Leeds fan Naylor is now 34 and has made two appearances this season. Like Kisnorbo I feel it will be a difficult parting emotionally but one for the best long-term interests of the club.

Photo: Action Images

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