Agent: Hibs skipper wants Leeds talks

Hibernian captain Rob Jones’ agent claims the defender is unhappy about being denied permission to discuss a move to Leeds.

According to agent Kevin Smith, centre-back Jones is a target for Leeds boss Dennis Wise after a successful first year at Easter Road.

But Smith insists 27-year-old Jones has been refused the chance to discuss a move to the Coca-Cola League One side, and has been offered an unacceptable new contract by Hibernian.

Jones is under contract to Hibernian until 2010 but is eager for a return to England, after previous spells with Stockport and Grimsby, unless he gets a big pay rise.

Smith told The Sun: “I know Rob has spoken with the chairman [Rod Petrie] and expressed a desire to go back to England to play his football.

“There have been a number of meetings and I believe Rob has made his feelings clear to the club on his position.”

Smith stated that Hibernian’s contract offer to Jones, who captained the club to their CIS Insurance Cup victory last season, falls short of expectations and does not “reflect” his value.

He added: “Now I am aware Leeds have shown an interest in Rob – and that would be something he’d be interested in. But Hibs have made it clear that he is not for sale and there is a lot of bad feeling and disappointment on our side.”