Hayles considers Leeds move

LEEDS transfer target Barry Hayles admits he has held talks with the Yorkshire club but plans to take his time.

The Fulham striker is out of contract and Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell is keen to bring him to Elland Road.

Blackwell needs strikers following the £7million sale of Alan Smith to Manchester United and the imminent departure of Mark Viduka.

Hayles, 32, who has scored 57 goals in 143 starts for Fulham, told www.leedsunited.com: “I have spoken to Leeds but it’s early stages. They are a massive club, there are no doubts about that. They are a club that should be in the Premiership.”

Blackwell, who signed Danny Pugh in the Smith deal, has already lined up several players , including centre-half Clarke Carlisle, Coventry’s Julian Joachim and Wolves’ Paul Butler.