Premiership: Leeds remain guarded over Dacourt

Olivier Dacourt remains a Leeds player today after the club denied Lazio’s claim that they had agreed a fee for his transfer.

The Serie A outfit yesterday announced that they had ‘‘reached an agreement’’ with their Premiership counterparts for the France international but the news was quickly rebuffed at Elland Road.

Leeds boss David O’Leary has been told to slim down his squad over the summer after the club reported a £14m (€22m) half-yearly loss but United say that Dacourt is not for sale.

The player himself has also recently denied reports is set to leave for Serie A after it was claimed Juventus were interested in his signature.

A statement on Leeds’ official website, www.leedsunited.com, stated firmly that nothing had been agreed and that they were ‘‘reluctant to decide their close-season restructure’’ before then.

But the speculation surrounding former Everton midfielder Dacourt has refused to go away in recent weeks and Lazio owner Massimo Cragnotti yesterday added fuel to the fire.

He said: ‘‘There is a verbal agreement, but there is nothing written down. But I believe that both clubs will reach an agreement.’’

Reports earlier suggested that a fee for the 27-year-old would be in the region of £15.5m (€25m).

Lazio are reportedly in financial difficulties but Cragnotti denied the club would need to sell to finance a move for Dacourt.

He added: ‘‘That has nothing to do with the buying process. Lazio are beginning a new project to bring in new players.

‘‘He (Dacourt) is a great player and he is of international calibre, a French international. He has proven this at Leeds.

‘‘He would be a very important player for Lazio and we hope that he can come here.’’

However, the player’s agent, Bruno Satin, denied a move to Italy was imminent.

Satin said: ‘‘I know there has been an interest from various Italian clubs after last season when Leeds were in the Champions League.

‘‘I can assure you at the moment there is absolutely no agreement regarding a possible move for Olivier from Lazio.

‘‘The first priority of Lazio is to sell players and the intention of Olivier is to stay in Leeds. It is pure speculation.

‘‘He’s very happy in England in Leeds, he’s very popular with the fans and his only aim at the moment is to get fourth place and a Champions League position.

‘‘The boy is happy in Leeds, he is very settled is his life.’’