Soccer: Leeds Smith signs new contract

Leeds striker Alan Smith pledged his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract and then vowed: "I would never want to leave."

Smith has signed a new five-year deal, picking up a four-fold increase on his previous £4,000-per-week salary, and so is due to earn £4.2m as a result.

The lucrative contract comes as a reward for the part the 20-year-old has played in Leeds’ on-field success this season.

It was Smith’s goals in both legs of the Champions League qualifying matches against 1860 Munich which propelled Leeds into the riches of the group stages.

But his most important strike was the winner in the 1-0 victory over Italian champions Lazio in Rome, providing the spur for United to reach the last eight.

Smith’s decision ends months of negotiations and speculation and he said: "I’m delighted to have signed. It’s my home-town club and I would never want to leave. I am really pleased this has now all been sorted out."