Leeds swoop for veteran trio

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has been given the cash to bring in Brian Deane, Steve Guppy and Craig Hignett over the next few days.

Blackwell met with the board of directors yesterday to discuss the financial implications of signing the trio, who have been on trial at the club for the past couple of weeks.

Striker Deane, left-winger Guppy and utility player Hignett all played their part during the club’s two-match tour of Sweden last week.

Blackwell has been eager to make their signings permanent but with the club’s finances still precarious he first had to sit down with the directors and convince them the players will be valuable additions to the squad for next season’s Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

Chief operations officer Shaun Harvey said: “The board have fully considered the financial implications of bringing the players identified by Kevin to Leeds.

“We are continuing those discussions with the players to finalise terms that are acceptable to both the players and the club.

“It is anticipated further additions to the squad will be made before Sunday’s friendly against Valencia at Elland Road.”

All three players are likely to be offered one-year deals, but Blackwell still needs at least two more players to strengthen what is a threadbare squad.