"We've been that busy bringing new faces in...just ain't had time for Max!"
That is the line coming out of the club re: Max Gradel's situation!
Following Max Gradel's claim that he has not agreed a new deal at ER because there wasn't one to sign, Simon Grayson has responded by saying that Leeds have been busy bringing in new faces!
Leeds have made four signings Paul Rachubka, Michael Brown, Andy Lonergan and Darren O'Dea. The first two were free-agents, Lonergan's move admittedly was protracted and involved a fee, O'Dea has joined on a season long-loan from Celtic!
According to Friday's YEP, Gradel's agent being based abroad is another factor in the delay - however the article also appears to suggest that Leeds are resigned to losing Gradel because the kind of new contract he wants is out of our payscale.
West Ham had a £2.5m offer knocked-back, the feeling is if they or Wigan Athletic, another massive club linked with Gradel up-the-ante to around £3m then Gradel will leave, as he will be a free-agent himself next summer.
After today's visit to Southampton, Gradel and another man linked with a move away Robert Snodgrass will go on international duty and miss Tuesday night's League Cup clash with Bradford. Gradel is playing for the Ivory Coast in a friendly against Israel whilst Snodgrass will take part for Scotland v Denmark.
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