Read several reports from Leeds fans and fan sites of other teams that seem sure that Leeds United will sign Kieron Dyer at the end of this season after he regains his fitness and stays injury free for a few months.

Figures of anywhere between £20m and £30m have been mentioned, although if it happened it would probably be closer to the former.

I can't really say at this time whether I'd accept £20m as I don't know if he will regain his best form again, but he looked like he hadn't lost any pace on the Sky Sports clips of the reserve game.

I honestly believe that the stories are made up by Leeds fans hopeful of signing him and believing the press will pick up on them and the rumours will develop.

Does anyone make anything of them?

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

Answers

Erm.... Awfully Pacey

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

The outcome of Lee Bowyer's trial could have a bearing on this situation, Paul. If Bowyer goes down for say two years then Leeds will seek a replacement, and KD would be the obvious target.

If we aren't able to get Dyer to sign a contract extension by the end of this season, then I think he will be sold. However, unless there is a real auction with several Clubs interested - such a could happen if say he finished the season in a blaze of top form and secured his WC spot - I doubt we'd get more than £10-12mm for him.

In those circumstances Leeds would probably be favourites to sign him. However, I can't see Leeds paying over £20mm for anyone as I seriously doubt they have that sort of brass.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

Leeds really don't have that sort of money altho' if they get into the CL, they'll maybe spend it all in one place. If we do well this season, Dyer will stay. If not, he won't. It's really that simple.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

I keep trying to rationalise this by thinking we shouldn't really blame Dyer for wanting to go for glory but can't get away from the thought that it should be we who scare the sh1t out of the likes of Leeds, by poaching their star men.

It's a vicious circular two-edged sword. If he's still injury prone, we're stuck with him, if he isn't, we'll be forced to cash in. Either way, it says it all about our ambition and status, as far as I'm concerned.

Barstewards.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

I think I recall the Leeds chairman saying that if any of the players were convicted then they'd never play for Leeds again. I have a feeling that in a racially sensitive area like Leeds he'll probably stick to that regardless of how long the sentence is. I reckon they'll go down so we can expect Leeds to be looking to strengthen the midfield - or am I being naive & will Leeds be witing outside the prison gates for them?

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

I've mentioned before that I work in the same building as Leeds training ground & word in the summer was that if we aren't doing anything of note in the closing months there is a possible deal with Leeds but would mean at least Woodgate coming to Newcastle (& depending on Woodgate getting through his trial at Hull) there is also likely to be another player in the deal as Ipswich will take a cut of a pure cash deal.

Only Leeds have a chance of getting him as the Newcastle board don't want to deal with Manure who have mucked them about a few times. Th equestion now perhaps is will Bobby really want Woodgate as the defence is covered & perhaps Dacourt may be the more obvious choice.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

..... one potential problem with that scenario Dave is that I've heard that Woodgate is the most likely of all the Leeds players on trial to go down.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

Personally I just get fed up of the speculation. I have no doubt O Leary wanted Dyer but he's had to splash the cash on other players due to Dyer's injury. They are in more debt than us and I can't see them spending another wad of cash this season. Even next I would doubt they'd be spending £20M plus on one player.

As someone has said - we need to tie Dyer to a new contract asap. If Dyer has a good world cup there'll be more than Leeds after him that's for sure.

BTW Paul where exactly are these stories? Bloody Leeds fans! Like their annoying manager they think they can sign anyone. They've won nowt yet remember.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

Another thing - they've still got a stadium to build and that costs money. There isn't a bottomless pit of money at any club - as we well know.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

but MoanLeary is going to Manure at the end of the season so surely we can expect 30m from them? to solve their midfield problems - 30m......at least....

;-)

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

After his hints about a new contract, would it be a good move to take a huge gamble and tie Dyer down now, at least as far as a contract can tie down a player these days, by giving him a license to print his own money ?

If we wait until he proves his fitness, he'll ask the earth, knowing full well that if we hold out, other clubs will be charging in like dogs at broth.

I get the impression there are notes of resignation creeping into the Kieron Dyer posts, in my case because of niggling doubts about his integrity.

Sometimes it's great to be proved wrong. Hope this turns out to be another of those.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2001

I'm not sure whether tying him up would be a good idea. (it might bring back memories of his videos :) )

Seriously though, he would have a contract regardless of how he plays.

If he isn't signed up he has to play well to earn it. If he plays well enough we will undoubtedly be right up there near the top and he will have no problems signing up for us.

If he isn't playing well, let's say the injury lost him a yard of pace, then we don't have him tied up on a £30k a week deal.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 2001