PFA hold new round of Leeds talks

The Professional Footballers Association will again meet with Leeds players this afternoon to discuss the possibility of a wage deferral.

The senior players rejected proposals of 35% and 30% deferrals nine days ago and instead urged chairman Trevor Birch to find other means of raising the £5m (€7.2m) required to see the club through to the end of the season.

It is likely the players will agree to an estimated 10% deferral when they meet PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor and deputy Mick McGuire today.

McGuire said: “We did promise the players last week we would go back in. We need to look again at the situation because things are happening.

“If there’s a need to help then we’ll be looking to see what the players’ response will be, although they’ve already said in a statement if it’s absolutely necessary, they will support the club.”

Although Birch has been conducting talks with a Yorkshire-based consortium over the last few days, he has still made necessary cuts should a deal fall through.

Former managers David O’Leary, Terry Venables and Peter Reid have all agreed to defer severance payments owed in the wake of their sackings in the past 20 months, totalling just over £1m (€1.4m).

Birch also received a windfall of £1.5m (€2.1m) from Manchester United yesterday as full and final payment for Rio Ferdinand’s £29.1m (€42.4m) transfer to Old Trafford in July 2002.

Providing defender Danny Mills can agree personal terms on a £1.25m (€18.2m) move to Middlesbrough before Saturday’s transfer deadline, that leaves Birch searching for a figure of around £1.25m (€18.2m).