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Leeds United: Johnson still wants to stay with Whites
Bradley Johnson in action against QPR.
BRADLEY JOHNSON admits he wants to make history and help Leeds United back to the top-flight – after revealing he is keen to resolve his future and remain at the club.
It’s rapidly approaching decision time for the 24-year-old, whose current deal expires next month after a stand-out 2010-11 for United, with several clubs rumoured to be circling for his signature.
Leeds have revealed they remain in dialogue with the representatives of Johnson – transfer-listed in November after rejecting a new three-year deal – and fellow midfielder Neil Kilkenny, with both eligible to leave at the end of next month on a free transfer when their contracts end.
Boss Simon Grayson says he would like to keep them both, although it remains to be seen how much room for manoeuvre there is between the club, players and their representatives, with Grayson stating at the weekend that United won’t be breaking the bank to keep any player this summer.
Despite attracting reported Premiership interest from the likes of Wigan, Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers, Johnson, in an ideal world, wants to remain with United.
Johnson told the YEP: “We said we’d wait until the end of the season and now it’s here, so hopefully we’ll be in talks during the week.
“I’d like to stay. I love the club; but it’s taken this long to agree something and obviously other clubs are interested, so it’s up in the air.
“It’s every kid’s dream to play in the Premiership and if I get the opportunity, it’s going to be a hard decision for me because I love the club (Leeds) and I want to be here.
“Then again, I wanted to be here and sign at the beginning of the season and it (talks) broke down. The way it went
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for playing me. They didn’t have to play me, under the circumstances (after being transfer-listed), but they did.”
The Londoner added: “I’ve been here three years and it’s been the best time of my career. I’ve enjoyed my football and living in Leeds and everything about Leeds.
“Getting them promoted from League One was my aim and getting them out of the Championship is my ambition now and I want to make history at this club and be in the team that does it.”
On Johnson, Grayson said: “I’d like to keep him. He’s done well and is a young boy who can get better. He knows what he needs to do, but we’re working within a budget at this football club.”
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Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
ps192579
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 06:20 PMI see more useless comments coming from the manager about how highly he rates certain players Aidy White and Adam clayton spring to mind. well if you rate them that highly why aren't they being given a chance. Totally frustrating season with all his chopping and changing, as much as Bechio has done I think we look far more attack minded with Mccormack, Paynter and Somma. I've said it 1000 times GRAYSON enough of the loan signings. Get your squad together now and stick with it, loan signings in my opininon especially the amount you use are unsettling. Bradley Johnson apart from the last 2 games couldnt pass the salt and kilkenny needs to get over his small man syndrome shut his mouth and get on with it, that said I still think he is to lightweight. Big shake up needed but I dont have the confidence in Grayson and would like to see O'Neil in the box seat.
Sick of Kens lies
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 05:22 PMI'll be honest, me and my dad never rated Bradley Johnson, when he was playing for us in that crappy League One, but to be fair to him, i think he has been one of our best players this season, epecially in the second half of the season. I'd like him to stay, and considering that his contract issue has been up in the air, he has been very professional and played very well for us all season. Hope you re-sign for us Bradders - you won't get many bigger and better clubs than Leeds United mate - so sign up, and lets kick on for promotion next season!
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