Premiership: Bowyer of verge of new deal

Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer is poised to commit himself to the Elland Road club for the next five years.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale is due to meet with Bowyer’s representative, accountant David Geiss, within the next two weeks and with confidence high the 24-year-old’s future will be resolved.

Suggestions of an argument between Ridsdale and Bowyer’s father in the players’ lounge at Stamford Bridge when Leeds played Chelsea at the end of January, have been stringently denied.

Ridsdale has claimed the accusation is ‘‘totally untrue and without foundation’’ and added: ‘‘I am delighted that some days ago David Geiss initiated a meeting to resolve Lee’s future.

‘‘I know Lee is committed to being a Leeds United player and I hope we reach agreement on a new contract.’’

Just a couple of weeks ago Ridsdale had stated that if Bowyer did not put pen to paper on the contract, which is likely to be worth £25,000 (€41,000) a week, then he would have to consider selling the player this summer when he would have only a year remaining on his present deal.

But Geiss has also confirmed talks are due to get underway as he said: ‘‘We have set a date to meet Peter Ridsdale in the next fortnight and we are confident Lee’s contract situation will be cleared up.

‘‘Suggestions of a row at Chelsea recently are completely untrue.’’