To nobody’s surprise, cult hero Luciano has handed in a transfer request today. We’re now on the lookout for someone who costs less than Becchio and scores more goals.

A statement on the official site says “Luciano Becchio, who has been the subject of two separate bids from foreign clubs during the January transfer window, has handed in a transfer request to the club, as financially he believes his best interests are served by a move away from Leeds United.Both bids have been rejected and the player will only be allowed to leave in the event that an acceptable offer is received.” 

So much for Leeds no longer being a selling club. We had all been hoping that when GFH took over Leeds would be able to keep hold of the better players while strengthening the squad with some decent permanent transfers, but sadly it seems that isn’t the case. It had been rumoured that Wigan were after him with a bid of up to £3 million, and he’d gone for that amount we could have consoled himself that it was a lot of money to get for him.

Yet it turns out that the only offers came from abroad and presumably for a lot less, seeing as both amounts have been rejected. The only crumb of comfort is that as Becchio has handed in the transfer request we won’t have to pay him a ‘loyalty bonus’ when he leaves, but it’s very disappointing to find that even under new ownership we still can’t compete with other clubs in terms of wages.

The statement also said “The club have sought to agree the terms of a new contract with the player, who is already the highest earner, but the requested terms were beyond a level that we could support, particularly in view of the regulations relating to Financial Fair Play that will be effective in coming seasons. It is disappointing that this situation has occurred when he is under contract until 30th June 2014.”

On the other hand, Becchio was only left as the highest earner because everyone else on reasonable wages had already left. Does this situation indicate that GFH a short of the cash to rebuild the club now that they’ve had to pay Bates over £40 million to clear off? We live in worrying times

Photo: Action Images

sanjosewhites added 18:38 - Jan 24 They came to asset strip and its started. Byram next, then Lees, and on. Replace them with over the hill loan players, that are just looking for a last wage packet. Bates mastered this to perfection. I would love to know how much he has accumulated out of the Leeds faith full. All credit we are all mugs at times They may be on to a winner too. But are folk getting wise !!!! 18000 becomes 10000 becomes 5000 and its no longer a viable asset I for one can no longer watch the pathetic football being played right now, the last 6 games, dreadful and that is being very polite. I hope when Warnock leaves he comes clean and tells all The story we all ready know but cant come to reality and beleive

0

Portsmouth Polls