Leeds reject United’s £5.5m bid for Smith

LEEDS yesterday rejected two offers from Manchester United for star striker Alan Smith.

The Red Devils initially made a bid of £3.5m for Smith, and after that was turned down, the Old Trafford board returned with an improved bid of £5.5m.

That has also been thrown out as Leeds value the forward at closer to the £10m mark, and it is understood Liverpool are preparing to step in.

A Leeds spokesman confirmed: “The offers by Manchester United substantially undervalue Alan Smith’s position as a top Premiership player. He is worth far more than what Manchester United are prepared to pay for him. Both offers were rejected immediately.”

With Emile Heskey joining Birmingham yesterday for £6.25m, manager Gerard Houllier has the funds at his disposal to snatch Smith from under the noses of their great rivals.

Leeds are clearly determined to get the best possible price for Smith, and are proving they will not be held to ransom, despite their relegation to the Football League.

It is believed Smith and his representatives have held preliminary negotiations with Liverpool, who are in a hard-bargaining position after recently guaranteeing themselves Champions League football for next season.

The move would see Smith link up with Harry Kewell, who left Elland Road last summer for £5m, although the Whites only received half that figure as £2m went to agent Bernie Mandic and the remaining £500,000 to the player’s pension fund.

But Smith moving to Liverpool would at least sit better with the Leeds supporters than Smith moving to Manchester United, although it remains to be seen if the latter come in with a second improved offer.