Hayles delays transfer decision

Leeds transfer target Barry Hayles admits he has held talks with the Yorkshire club but plans to take his time before deciding which club to join.

The Fulham striker is out of contract and Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell is keen to bring him to Elland Road.

Blackwell needs strikers following the £7m (€10.5m) sale of Alan Smith to Manchester United and the imminent departure of top wage earner Mark Viduka.

Hayles, 32, who has scored 57 goals in 143 starts for Fulham, told www.leedsunited.com: “I have spoken to Leeds but it’s early stages.

“They are a massive club, there are no doubts about that. They are a club that should be in the Premiership and I would have no qualms about moving there.

“But I’m going to take my time and go through the options before hopefully making the right choice.

“I have had a few offers from clubs and I’m looking forward to a new challenge now.”

Blackwell, who signed Danny Pugh as part of the Smith deal, has already lined up several players to arrive at Leeds on July 1.

Centre-half Clarke Carlisle will sign a two year contract at the club next month, while two other players available on free transfers, Coventry’s Julian Joachim and Wolves Paul Butler, are due at Thorp Arch for a medical next week.

If the medicals are successful they too will be sign next month.