Leeds close in on Carlisle

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell is poised to make QPR defender Clarke Carlisle his second signing of the summer.

The 24-year-old is available on a free transfer and the Leeds website www.leedsunited.com reports that he is due to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch later this week, after which he is expected to join the club.

Clarke made 33 appearances for the Loftus Road club last season having joined them four years ago.

A former England under-21 international, Carlisle is 6ft 3in tall and came through the ranks at Blackpool.

Blackwell’s first signing since taking over at Elland Road was Danny Pugh, who joined Leeds as part of the £7m (€10.4m) deal which took Alan Smith to Manchester United.