If things seem to be getting interesting in the pre-season training grounds of Leeds United, who are currently training in Italy ahead of two pre season games, it now transpires that their captain and leading goal scorer, Ross McCormack, did not travel to Italy with the team and has put in a transfer request.
The Scotland striker is only a few months into a contract at Leeds United having signed a new four year deal last August and is said to be comfortable there, according to accounts from staff at the club, so why now? Why should he, if true, be doing this now? Has he had a better offer, one that Mr Cellino cannot refuse?
One thing is certain and that is that the current level of unrest at Leeds United is set to continue into the beginning of the season, as Coach Dave Hockaday seeks to keep McCormack at Leeds, who will desperately need his goal scoring prowess in the new season. If Leeds are to be successful in the new season, then they need to retain players but at the moment it seems to be that reports from Thorp Arch and Elland Road suggest otherwise.
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino is reported to have added that “if Liverpool, Real Madrid or Paris St Germain” were to come knocking, then he would not be able to say no to McCormack, expecting him to be off down the road on his travels, but as no club of such calibre has been in contact, he will remain a Leeds player.
But that was before McCormack handed in the transfer request.
Now he has done this Mr Cellino has a decision to make. Should he keep his striker, or opt to sell to the likes of Newcastle, who have shown interest, using the money to then purchase new blood? Or should he seek to bolster that which is already leaking in parts, the ship that is Leeds United.
There will be fans across the world who will offer both up as ideas, saying if McCormack wants out then let him. They are likely to do so vociferously, as they see him leaving in the near future. But one thing is sure and that is if he leaves to another Championship side, then the fans are likely to give him an interesting ride the next time he visits Elland Road.
Source: DSG
