Leeds United: Silvestri heading for Elland Road exit after being told to train with U21s

Silvestri left United’s pre-season training camp in Ireland yesterday and was due to begin training with the club’s development squad at Thorp Arch this morning.

The 26-year-old - Leeds’ first choice for the past two seasons - is surplus to requirements after United head coach Garry Monk signed England international and former West Ham United keeper Rob Green on a free transfer on Wednesday.

Monk wanted to replace Silvestri with a player with more experience of the English leagues and Silvestri’s return from Ireland is a clear indication that Green will start the season as number one with Ross Turnbull as understudy.

Leeds signed Silvestri from Chievo on a four-year deal in 2014, one of the earliest transfers completed by owner Massimo Cellino, and he is eight appearances short of the 100 mark at Elland Road.

His performances have been prone to errors, however, and a new keeper was one of Monk’s priorities when he arrived as head coach at the start of last month.

Silvestri is attracting interest from Italy and is widely expected to look for a move back to Serie A in the next few weeks.