Striker Ben Burgess may have been linked with a cross-Pennine switch to Leeds United – but it's the first he's heard of it.
The Blackpool powerhouse is reportedly at the centre of a two-way fight between United and League One rivals Leicester for his services, with both ready to splash out £200,000 to land him.
Burgess, 26, scored 10 goals in 37 appearances for Pool la
st season and notched some vital strikes as Simon Grayson's men staved off the drop in their first season back in the second tier since 1978.
Buxton-born Burgess – capped twice by Republic of Ireland Under-21s – has 12 months remaining on his Bloomfield Road contract, having made his name as a targetman earlier in his career at Hull and Stockport. But all he is focusing on is returning to training, with Pool due back for the start of their pre-season schedule tomorrow, and he is leaving the speculation to others.
On talk of a six-figure move to Leeds or Leicester, Burgess said: "It's the first I've heard of it. I haven't heard anything.
"It is the last year of my contract and there is a release clause, but the Leeds interest has not been mentioned.
"I suppose if it is true, then it's flattering.
"I was in and out of the team last year, but was top scorer, so that was alright and I had a decent year."
"We're starting back pre-season training on Thursday and I'm just concentrating on that. I like to get myself fit – although I'm not someone who is naturally fit, so I'll have to get stuck into that!"
The full article contains 280 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
