Leeds take winger Anttonen on trial

Leeds have taken Swedish winger Patrik Anttonen on a week-long trial as manager Kevin Blackwell prepares to bolster his midfield in the January transfer window.

The Whites have been lacking a right-sided midfielder since the departure of Aaron Lennon to Tottenham in the summer.

Anttonen, 25, plays for Orebro in the Swedish Allsvenskan league and told his club’s website, www.orebro-sk.se, the trial came as a surprise.

“I heard from him (Blackwell) last week and he told me something might come up soon,” said Anttonen.

“Straight after that it was clear that they were interested and wanted me to come over. I’ll stay there a week. I’ll probably practice with them Monday to Friday and then stay to see their game on Saturday (against Cardiff). After that I’ll come back home.”

Anttonen has one year left to run on his Orebro contract and admitted a move to England would be enough to tempt him away.

“This is a bonus. If it works out, it’s good for both me and Orebro, since they will get paid,” he added.

“I’m planning to stay with Orebro until something more interesting comes along and this is definitely more interesting.”