O'Brien West Ham Bound?

West Ham could move for banished Leeds defender Andy O'Brien.The former Republic of Ireland star refused to play for the club last week after he had been heckled by fans.Elland Road boss Simon Grayson has said that O'Brien, 32, will now not play for the club again.And chairman Ken Bates said that as the player had refused to turn out he had effectively resigned from the club.Bates told the Yorkshire Post“The only reason Leeds United employ Andy O’Brien is to play football for us. Now, he won’t do that then clearly he no longer wants to work for Leeds United. The club are now dealing with the matter internally - but West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is an admirer of the former Newcastle and Bolton defender and sees his experience as useful to the Hammers' promotion drive.West Ham United were strongly linked with a loan move earlier this month. If Sam Allardyce is to make a move, however, he will have to do so quickly with this Thursday being the deadline for loan signings in the Football League.

Max Gradel set for St Etienne switch LATEST

 Max Gradel is expected to complete a move to French outfit St Etienne today after Leeds United accepted an undisclosed seven-figure offer for his services.The move came just hours after fellow Ligue 1 side Sochaux saw a bid of around £2m rejected for the Ivory Coast international, who handed in a transfer request early yesterday after expressing his desire to leave Elland Road in a whirlwind day of developments.Gradel, 23, whose current United deal expires at the end of next season, will undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with St Etienne today – and his move will signal the end of a long-running saga surrounding his future.United say a desire to return to France, where he was brought up, and play at the highest level in his adopted country, prompted Gradel’s decision to demand a transfer.

Several rival Championship clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and West Ham United were also keen on signing the wingman, who blasted 18 goals in a stellar 2010-11 campaign.Premiership club West Brom are also believed to have tabled a cash plus player bid which was rejected by the club.

Forest are believed to have recently tabled a beat-the-deadline bid, with big-spending Leicester also thought to be keen on bringing Gradel back to his former club, with Foxes boss Sven Goran-Eriksson known to be an admirer.

West Ham also saw a £2.5m offer rebuffed earlier this summer, as speculation ranged over his future while several top-flight clubs, including Fulham and Newcastle United were rumoured to be watching developments, with Bundesliga outfit Hamburg also thought to have tabled a £2m close-season bid.

The main firm interest appeared to be from Championship clubs and with United unwilling to sell to a second-tier rival and in the light of Gradel’s hankering to head back across the Channel, St Etienne – who – have won the race for his services.

Les Verts have also agreed a deal to sign Romania captain Banel Nicolita and he and Gradel should seal their moves today.

A statement on the St Etienne website said: “ASSE has gone on the offensive. On Tuesday evening, agreements were reached for the arrivals of Romanian midfielder Banel Nicolita and Max-Alain Gradel.”

“Both players, who have been in the sights of St Etienne for several weeks, will on Wednesday undergo the traditional medical before completing the final terms of their contracts with ASSE.”

St Etienne’s squad also includes former Liverpool forward Florent Sinama Pongolle and ex-Sunderland and Fulham star Steed Malbranque, with Les Verts having finished tenth in Le Championnat last term.

Gradel scored 29 goals in 81 appearances for United after initially joining the club on loan from Leicester in October 2009.

The wingman was famously dismissed on the final day of the 2009-10 season in United’s dramatic and never-to-be-forgotten 2-1 promotion-clinching home victory over Bristol Rovers in front of over 38,000 fans at Elland Road in May 2010.

But Gradel became a firm crowd favourite and a real wow with supporters on the club’s return to the Championship last term, a season which culminated in him being named both the fans’ player ofthe year and players’ player of the year and claim his first international cap for Ivory Coast in June

Gradel Gone Leeds Accept Bid From Saint-Etienne

Leeds United have reluctantly accepted an offer from French club Saint-Etienne for Max Gradel.
The player submitted a transfer request earlier on Tuesday, stating his desire to secure a move to his 'native' France and play at the highest level for his career development.
There has been extensive interest in the player, who is out of contract at the end of the season, from both clubs in England and France, however we were reluctant to agree to a domestic transfer that could potentially harm our promotion ambitions.
The player is to undertake a medical examination on Wednesday and the fee will remain undisclosed.
Max has scored 25 goals in 81 appearances for United since joining the club, initially on loan from Leicester City in October 2009.
The player, who won his first international caps while with the club, played a part in the team which won promotion from League One in 2009/10 and also figured prominently on our return to the Championship last season.

Leeds United Reject Gradel Bid

Leeds United have rejected Sochaux's £2million offer for in demand winger Max Gradel.The Club are however bracing themselves for further bids before the transfer window shuts.Stoke City are believed to preparing a £4m plus Tom Soares package bid.West Ham,who recently had a bid for Gradel rejected,may come back with a larger bid with more funds now available from the imminent sale of Scott Parker to Tottenham.
Gradel,23, is out of contract next summer and has yet to agree a new deal with the Whites.It may be that Leeds are willing to take a "hit" on Gradel and allow him to run down his contract and leave on a free in the summer a similar situation to previous players Jermaine Beckford,Neil Kilkenny and Bradley Johnson.However a bid of around £5m will surely test the clubs resolve.

Sochuax Line up Gradel as Maiga Replacement

French club FCSochaux have confirmed that Newcastle have moved for Modibo Maiga while they are in 'advanced' talks for Leeds United's Max Gradel.

The Magpies have been tracking the Mali international throughout the summer and are believed to have offered €8million (£7m) to secure his signature.

Sochaux chairman Alexander Lacombe is against losing one of the club's brightest talents as he looks keep the team as competitive as possible.

However, he has hinted the 23-year-old could depart should a replacement be found and the club are hopeful of landing talented winger Gradel.

Ready

Gradel is an Ivory Coast international and Leeds are ready to accept a transfer fee now rather than lose his services for free next summer when his deal expires.

The former Leicester City man has excelled since moving to Elland Road and is believed to be open to joining Sochaux in order to further his career.

"There has been an offer from them (Newcastle)," confirmed Lacombe. "But my goal is to maintain a competitive team.

"I won't sell Modibo without having found a replacement.

"We hope to finalise the deal," Lacombe added on Gradel. "It's a deal which is at an advanced stage."

Bates Dismisses West Ham Interest In Gradel

Leeds United winger Max Gradel has once again been linked with a possible summer exit after the player admitted that he was aware of interest from both Fulham and West Ham.The 23-year-old has attracted plenty of attention after a string of superb performances for the Championship side last season as Leeds just missed out on a place in the play-offs.Gradel scored 18 league goals last season for Leeds while also earning his first cap for the Ivory Coast and has subsequently been linked with a number of clubs.West Ham have  already approached Leeds about signing the tricky winger, but were told that he was not for sale.Leeds United chairman Ken Bates confirmed the winger is going nowhere.Bates confirmed that they had turned down a bid from fellow championship side West Ham, stating that the east end club couldn`t afford him.

Speaking yesterday on Yorkshire Radio, Bates said, "Max is not going anywhere and that is the end of the matter. We already had one offer and that was from West Ham. I think Max will have finished his career by the time they would have finished paying it. They haven`t got any money. Max is a very big part of our squad and he will continue to be so."

Doncaster V Leeds Pre-view

Simon Grayson will freshen up Leeds United’s line-up as the Whites approach their second game in three days at Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers in the Carling Cup.The Whites put in a heroic display at Championship favourites West Ham on Sunday – a 90th-minute leveller from the superbly impressive Adam Clayton sealing a 2-2 draw – which was the least Grayson’s side deserved.But after an energy-sapping afternoon in hot London sunshine, the Whites boss admits there will be changes for tonight’s second round tie at the Keepmoat.Both midfielder Michael Brown (calf) and striker Billy Paynter (thigh) remain doubtful with fellow frontmen Luciano Becchio (hamstring) and Davide Somma (knee) definitely out.
“We’ll have one or two people coming into the team because they might need an opportunity to play,” said Grayson.“We’ll see where everyone is (in terms of fitness) but it’s a game we want to win, and then we can concentrate on Ipswich after that.”Likely candidates to come into the team include midfielder Ramon Nunez and winger Lloyd Sam who both came on as second half substitutes at West Ham as well as the likes of defenders Andy O’Brien and Paul Connolly – unused on the bench at the weekend.However, recent recruit Brown remains a doubt and Grayson is grateful for his squad’s strength in depth.Of Brown, Grayson said: “He had a calf strain and that made the decision to bring Jonny Howson back in slightly easier.“I also brought Gradel back in for Nunez on Sunday because it was an opportunityfor him to shine and he’s a fantastic talent. He showed a lot of character after missing the penalty too, and he was a constant threat.“I’m delighted that we’ve got players like that to bring in because we had to do it at West Ham.”United’s opponents Doncaster, meanwhile, are suffering with all sorts of problems, currently sitting bottom of the Championship and with a whole host of players missing.Star striker Billy Sharp, Ryan Mason, James Chambers and Martin Woods are all out while on-loan duo Reece Brown and Milan Lalkovic are not eligible to play.However, Brian Stock, Shelton Martis, James Hayter and James O’Connor have all returned to training from injury and may come into contention.

One man expecting the Whites to take the League Cup seriously and book their place in round three is United legend Eddie Gray who was mightily impressed with Sunday’s draw at West Ham.

“I think Simon will pay a lot of attention to the League Cup,” said Gray.

“I think he will make a few changes but I still think we should be too strong for a Doncaster side that have started averagely and are struggling for players

Leeds United V Hull City Pre-View

Leeds' new loan signing Andy Keogh is expected to go straight into the starting line-up.The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international, signed initially on loan until January, is a likely starter as manager Simon Grayson is still without strikers Luciano Becchio, Billy Paynter and Davide Somma, while winger Max Gradel is suspended.Becchio (hamstring) and long-term absentee Somma (knee) have yet to play this season and Paynter missed out on Saturday with a thigh strain.Leeds will also be without suspended skipper Jonny Howson. The midfielder and Gradel were both sent off during Saturday's home defeat to Middlesbrough for two yellow card offences and will sit out respective one-game bans.Grayson could turn to Ramon Nunez and Lloyd Sam, who both stepped off the substitutes' bench against Middlesbrough, while young defenders Tom Lees, 20, and Zac Thompson, 18, will be hoping to feature again after making their debuts at the weekend.

Hull manager Nigel Pearson will pick from a virtually full-strength squad.

Defender Liam Rosenior (knee), striker Dele Adebola (back) and Aaron Mclean (calf) all returned to action as the Tigers secured their first win of the season at Ipswich.

Rosenior started at Portman Road and is expected to retain his place, while Adebola and Mclean were both late substitutes' and may have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare said: "There's a few aches and pains and niggles, but they all reported in [on Sunday].

"They'll train again and there are a couple who might just do a bit less, but we'll wait and see how they are on Tuesday morning."

Defender Paul McShane (calf) and winger Cameron Stewart (knee ligaments) are still unavailable.

Leeds 0 Middlesbrough 1

Simon Grayson shuffled his pack from the side which beat Bradford City in midweek with Tom Lees, Leigh Bromby, and Darren O'Dea all coming into the back-four. Rob Snodgrass and Max Gradel also returned while Aidy White and teenager Zac Thompson were named among the subs.United were looking to get off to a good league start at home and after one early raid that cut Boro open, Lees went close with a header from the resultant corner.Leeds started the game well and on the front foot, looking to exploit a nervy looking Boro side. Michael Brown broke up play well early doors and was the architect of a couple of United attacks.United also looked sold enough when Middlesbrough attacked and Bromby and Lees made good starts to the game.Boro goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was called upon to make a save on 22 minutes from Gradel when United threatened again. Clayton also did well to win the ball to get Leeds moving again, but his run was ended by a crude challenge by Rhys Williams.
United were dealt a blow on 26 minutes, though, when Gradel received a second yellow, after he was adjudged to have commited a foul. His first yellow had come early on, following a melee involving a number of players.
And as Boro put the ball into the box, following the free-kick, Andy Lonergan pulled off a superb fingertip save from a Marvin Emnes header.
The home fans were further angered shorty after the half-hour when Robert Snodgrass came off worst in a tussle and Boro were awarded a free-kick, but moments later a near champagne moment followed.

Clayton picked up the ball and delivered the most audacious of attempts from distance which almost caught out Ikeme, who had to react to turn the ball over the top. It would have been one of the most spectacular goals seen at the stadium.
But it was Lonergan who was called upon to make two more timely interventions. First, he raced off his line to collect then he saved a powerful strike from Justin Hoyte by tipping it on to the bar.
At the other end, Stephen McManus had to make a vital clearance to head a Robert Snodgrass cross over his own bar when Jonny Howson was well-placed.
There was still time for more drama, though, when referee Anthony Taylor levelled things up in the third minute of stoppage time by sending off Tony McMahon for a second yellow. McMahon's second card was for an apparent foul on Howson.
And so it was the second half would see a 10-a-side contest following the two dismissals. Boro started by winning a corner, but it was Leeds who again looked to apply some early pressure and Ross McCormack was first denied by some good defending, then by a foul.

From the resultant free-kick, Lees appeared to head home his first goal for the club, but the ball was somehow cleared off the line by Nicky Bailey just as the crowd erupted.
With 10 minutes of the second half gone, Grayson made his first change, introducing Ramon Nunez in place of Brown.
The game was taking on something of a ridiculous nature and Howson was next to feel the wrath of the referee when he was given a second yellow card for an apparent foul on Marvin Emnes. Both players protested, the Leeds players appearing to claim Emnes dived.
The numerical advantage was back in Boro's favour, and Bromby made a block on the line to deny Barry Robson. There followed a double change by Boro and the introduction of Zac Thompson, making his debut for Leeds.
But the visitors were in the lead on 67 minutes after Emnes cut inside from the left and blasted in from the tightest of angles.
It was a cruel blow for the nine-men of Leeds and, once in front, Boro looked to slow the game down and dictate the pace of proceedings.
Grayson did bring on Lloyd Sam for the final 15 minutes, but Boro were looking resolute and were making the extra man count.
The visitors also carved a couple more opportunities as the game edged towards its conclusion, Lonergan being called upon to make two more blocks. He also came out quickly to deny Scott McDonald after the ball fell kindly to the Boro man.
In the final minute, Clayton forged an opening that ended with Nunez winning a corner after his shot was blocked. Lonergan even came up for the resultant corner as United looked to force an equaliser.
The goalkeeper continued his impressive afternoon in stoppage time, though, saving well from Julio Arca, who tried his luck from distance.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time a free-kick from deep was cleared by Boro, and a Bromby throw-in was also hacked clear from inside the box as Leeds looked to press.
But there was to be no way back for United as the nine men slipped to a second league defeat of the season.

Leeds United hero Nunez drop to bench

LEEDS United’s midweek Carling Cup hero Ramon Nunez is expected to return to the bench for tomorrow’s Championship home clash against Middlesbrough.Nunez bagged a brace in the 3-2 derby defeat of Bradford City at Elland Road on Tuesday night but the return of fellow wingers Robert Snodgrass and Max Gradel from international duty means the Honduran is unlikely to be handed a second start following his promising full debut.On-loan Celtic centre-back Darren O’Dea is also available again after playing in the Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw against Croatia and Andy O’Brien looks likely to make way after being jeered off by United fans following his substitution against Bradford.Strikers Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma remain sidelined, while fellow frontman Billy Paynter is also doubtful with a thigh strain.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, could be without highly-rated defender Matthew Bates, who is being courted by Premier League new boys Swansea and was left out of Tuesday’s 3-0 Carling Cup win at Walsall.

But Australian pair Scott McDonald and Rhys Williams both return from representing their country, as do Estonian Tarmo Kink and Barry Robson, who was an unused substitute in Scotland’s 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifier win over Denmark.

Leeds set to shuffle the Pack

Leeds United will be without four players due to international commitments for tonight’s Carling Cup first-round derby with Bradford City at Elland Road.Robert Snodgrass and Max Gradel are missing, with the former part of the Scotland squad due to take on Denmark at Hampden Park in a friendly tomorrow.
Gradel, handed his senior bow by the Ivory Coast in early June – coming on as a sub in the African Cup of Nations qualifiying win against Benin – will be hoping to claim his second full cap in the Elephants’ friendly against Israel at the Ivorian capital of Abidjan, also tomorrow.
Darren O’Dea, who joined the club late last week on a season-long loan from Glasgow Celtic, is unavailable with the defender in the Republic of Ireland squad for their clash with Croatia in Dublin tomorrow evening.
Another who has been called up by the boys in green is United teenager Aidy White, with the Horsforth lad handed a call-up last week ahead of Ireland U21s’ clash with their Austrian counterparts, which takes place in Sligo this evening (6pm).It’s White’s first call-up to the squad with the 19-year-old recently switching allegiance to Ireland after previously making his England U19 debut as a sub against the Czech Republic in March 2009.

Ben Parker is tipped to start at left-back, while Ramon Nunez, Lloyd Sam, Billy Paynter and Leigh Bromby could also be handed starts, with Alex Bruce and Mike Grella also in contention.

City could again be without full-back and former captain Simon Ramsden, who missed Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Aldershot because of a calf strain, tonight.

Centre-half Steve Williams is expected to feature after shrugging off a thigh injury and could replace Lee Bullock, injured at the weekend. Ritchie Jones is also in the reckoning following injury for City, set to hand a debut to Spurs loan keeper Oscar Jansson.

United will make a decision on trialists Felix Luz – who scored a hat-trick for a United XI against Farsley on Saturday – Dennis Grote and Ibrahim Maaroufi shortly, possibly at some point today or tomorrow.

Southampton 3 Leeds 1

Simon Grayson gave debuts to Michael Brown, Andy Lonergan, and Darren O'Dea, and a first start to Adam Clayton for the season opener at Southampton. His side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and were backed by in excess of 3,000 noisy travelling fans at the St Mary's Stadium.Brown set the tone early doors with a couple of crunching challenges in the middle of the park, and the opening exchanges were littered with free-kicks.
It was from one O'Dea delivery from deep that Jonny Howson tested Kelvin Davis with a good strike after Robert Snodgrass had held the ball up well. Davis failed to hold the shot, but the ball was swiftly cleared.
But the home side went ahead in the 10th minute when Dean Hammond was allowed to advance from midfield and his low shot beat Lonergan from distance.
United almost responded immediately when Snodgrass whipped over a corner, and moments later Clayton released Max Gradel, but the Ivorian had strayed offside. Leeds also threatened when Gradel showed quick feet to deliver a cross and Clayton's back-post header was deflected for a corner.
On 22 minutes, Snodgrass had a free-kick blocked by the Southampton wall after Brown was bundled to the floor 25 yards from goal.
But, while Leeds seemed to be enjoying the better possession, it was the home side who scored again before the half-hour. Adam Lallana was the scorer with an effort which curled past Lonergan after Southampton found space in the Leeds area.
They almost netted a third moments later, but Lonergan averted the danger by spreading himself well to deny Lallana, who should have scored.
As the game headed towards the break United were still putting passes together, but without any great incision, and the hosts were answering any questions that were posed of them.
United had history of coming from behind at Southampton - the 4-3 win in 2005 ranks as one of the club's greatest ever comebacks - and Grayson's men started the second half on the front foot. Gradel felt he had claims for a penalty when he went down in the box, and Ross McCormack tested Davis with an early strike.
But it was the hosts who added third goal on 52 minutes when David Connolly supplied the finish after Southampton yet again found enough space to hurt Leeds.
Grayson responded immediately by replacing Brown with Billy Paynter as United looked to climb the proverbial mountain. And the striker did have an opportunity on the hour when Clayton picked him out with a great pass - but Davis proved himself equal to the shot to deny Paynter.
Ramon Nunez was next to be introduced for United when he came on for the final half-hour. Shortly after Gradel felt he had another penalty claim, but after a quick break by the hosts led to a corner, Lonergan was grateful to see a free header fly past his post.
United's final substitution came on 73 minutes when Lloyd Sam replaced Snodgrass.
But Southampton had another opportunity when Aaron Martin latched on to a free-kick and his downward header bounced up and over the bar.
At the other end, Nunez tried his luck from distance with a shot which went just wide while Sam looked to inject some life into proceedings with a raid down the right which won a corner.
It was the home side who went close again, though, with just five minutes remaining when substitute Richard Chaplow struck the post with a powerful strike.
Four minutes of stoppage time looked like prolonging the agony for United and the 3,000 plus away following as Grayson's men slipped to a second successive opening day defeat.
But in the final of those minutes, United won a penalty, following a handball, and Gradel stepped up to smash the ball home for a consolation.

Max And Snoddy out of Bradford Clash

Leeds will be without their two first-choice wingers for next week's Carling Cup clash against Bradford.Max Gradel will miss the club's Carling Cup first round tie against Bradford City after being named in the Ivory Coast squad next week.The 23-year-old, who tasted the international set-up for the first time earlier this year, is in the Elephants squad for their game against Israel next Wednesday.Max, who will link up with the international squad after Saturday's season opener at Southampton, will join Robert Snodgrass on international duty after the Scot was called up for his country's friendly international against Denmark.

Gradel: Leeds haven't offered me a new deal

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Max Gradel has revealed Leeds have yet to offer him a new contract as he mulls over his future.The £5million-rated winger is wanted by West Ham, Fulham, Swansea and Newcastle after his 18-goal haul last season.Gradel, 23, wants to fire Leeds back into the Premier League, but is out of contract next summer and said: "I can't sign a deal when there is no deal."I've been waiting for a contract but I haven't been offered a new deal yet.My wish was to do it as early as possible, like, last January, but unfortunately it's not down to me, it's down to the club. I've said I want to take this club to the Premier League, but you can't guarantee what's going to happen."Every player is working hard on the pitch because he has a target and that target is not just to play for Leeds, but to play in the top league.It would be great if it was Leeds, but I want to play in the Premier League."

Leeds fans have seen Jermaine Beckford, Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny leave on free transfers because they were not tied down to new deals.

They fear the same will happen with prize pair Gradel and Robert Snodgrass, whose contract ends in 2013, unless they get promotion.

Gradel, whose side open up their Championship campaign at Southampton on Saturday, added: "It's a strange and difficult situation, but I just want to focus on playing.

"It's a big challenge to follow on from last season, but my aim is to score more than 18 goals.

"I will have more pressure, but that doesn't worry me. I had a good season but will try to do better."

Nunez on Target Again As Leeds Remain Unbeaten

Leeds maintained their unbeaten run in pre season with a draw in Norway against Sandefjord.The game finished 1-1 after both sides scored inside the final five minutes.Sandefjord took the lead only for Nunez to equalise with a long-range effort.Simon Grayson named just a seventeen-man squad with trialist Alexandre Mendy again in the starting line up.There was no place in the squad for fellow trialist Boldiszar Bodor who played at Sheffield Wednesday who was supposed to be making the trip.Ross McCormack had Leeds first effort on goal but his shot went wide of the post.McCormack should have opened the scoring after he was fouled inside the box.The striker stepped up and fired his penalty kick wide of the post, his second miss from the spot in pre season.Mendy had the final chance of the first half but headed over.Ramon Nunez was the first substitution of the evening replacing Michael Brown ten minutes into the second half.Nunez quickly made an impact seeing a shot go just wide of the post.Adam Clayton had a decent effort tipped over the bar as Leeds controlled the game.Tom Lees had a great chance from a corner when he sent a header over the bar when free inside the area.Max Gradel replaced Ross McCormack inside the final five minutes and he was quickly involved, firing a shot over the crossbar.The home side scored in the final minutes of the game when Stokke fired in from close range.Leeds still had time to find an equaliser when Nunez fired home from distance with the assistance of a deflection.

It was to prove the final meaningful action of the game as Leeds maintained their unbeaten pre season.

Leeds now prepare for their final pre season game of the summer when they entertain Newcastle on Sunday.

Sheffield Wednesday 1 Leeds 1

United manager Simon Grayson included another new trialist in his squad for the trip to Sheffield Wednesday, Hungarian international Boldiszar Bodor being named among the substitutes.

Alex Mendy, who impressed as an un-named trialist at Rochdale in midweek, was again included in the starting line-up while former Aston Villa youngster Isaiah Osbourne was also in the squad once again.
The game marked a first outing for United's new black pin-striped away kit, and a huge travelling support was present to see the players emerge with Leeds fans filling the majority of the upper tier of the Leppings Lane end at Hillsborough.
But that support was almost stunnined inside three minutes when the woodwork came to United's rescue after a long throw-in was hooked into the danger zone and Chris Sedgwick planted a header against the bar.
United responded almost immediately, Mendy releasing Max Gradel, whose strike was deflected over the top for a corner.
It was the home side who were in front on eight minutes, though, when former White David Prutton cut inside from the left before delivering a superb strike which left Paul Rachubka with no chance at all.

There was more disappointing news for Leeds moments later when Ben Parker was on the wrong end of a hefty challenge, and was forced into limping out of the action. Parker's departure paved the way for trialist Bodor to make his entrance.
United had looked a little off the pace, but there were still some neat passages of play, Mendy and Adam Clayton both linking up well in one attack with some intelligent movement.
But Prutton, whose Leeds career ended under Grayson, was playing like a man with a point to prove and he won a free-kick on the edge of the box when he threatened again with the ball at his feet. Jermaine Johnson's strike was deflected for a corner and the same man had a shot blocked as the Owls pressed again from the set-piece.
United were next to go close, on the half-hour, when Ramon Nunez tried his luck from distance with a dipping shot which beat Nicky Weaver, but went just over the top.

At the other end, a Jermaine Johnson header was deflected for a corner and Padraig Amond went close as the hosts tested Leeds. in reply, Mendy fired into the sidenetting and Gradel whipped in a teasing cross which was scramled away for a corner.
Billy Paynter also sent a shot wide of the mark after Mendy pulled the ball back from the right wing and in the moments leading up half-time, Weaver hammered a clearance straight at Michael Brown, but the ball bounced to safety.
Grayson only made two changes at the interval this time with Ross McCormack replacing Paynter and Lloyd Sam coming on form Nunez.
McCormack's first touch was to send a shot skidding wide of the mark, but as he let fly he slipped to the turf and immediately called for assistance from physio Harvey Sharman. Thankfully, the Scot was swiftly back on his feet.
And United were almost level on 51 minutes when Paul Connolly picked out Gradel, who in turn released Sam, whose low angled strike rattled against the base of the post after flying past Weaver in the Owls goal. Moments later, McCormack curled a free-kick over the bar.

Tempers flared shortly before the hour when players from both sides became involved in a melee that ended with Gradel and Jermaine Johnson receiving a lengthy talking-to from the referee. United were awarded the free-kick, and Clayton could consider himself unfortunate to see a powerful shot blocked.
But Wednesday responded immediately and Jermaine Johnson made an advancing run without being challenged before tucking his shot just wide of the upright.
There was an undercurrent to the game, though, and Brown and Jose Semedo were next to have an altercation and the referee was again handing out lectures with United captain Paddy Kisnorbo in the throng.
As the game headed towards it final quarter, Gradel forced a good block from Weaver as he cut in from the left and Jermaine Johnson was also called upon to head clear when Mendy put the ball back into the box. Julian Bennett also made a timely intervention when the ball was swung in again.
But it was the hosts who went close again in the 75th minute when Jermaine Johnson fired across the outside of Rachubka with an effort that flew just wide of the mark. Johnson also sent another effort over the top after capitalising on a lost ball in midfield.
With eight minutes left on the clock, United had a chance to get back in the game. Gradel was forced to the ground while looking to get on to the end of a high, looping cross, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. The Ivorian dusted himself down, and promptly smashed home the resultant penalty with aplomb.
The strike ensured that honours ended even from the game, making it four unbeaten for Leeds in pre-season, and United boss Simon Grayson left with food for thought regarding his trialists as he finalised his squad in readiness for Tuesday's trip to Norway to face Sandefjord.

Grayson:Gradel stays at Leeds

LEEDS United have insisted winger Max Gradel will stay at Elland Road, amid reports of a £2.5m transfer request from West Ham.

Manager Simon Grayson denied that Gradel had asked to leave Leeds following the bid last week.

West Ham are not thought to have increased their bid but Gradel was rumoured this week to have told associates that he would leave Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window.

Grayson said: “I don’t know where people get this stuff from. There’s been no written transfer request and no unrest from him.

“You’ve seen from his performances in pre-season that he’s focused on what he needs to do, and we don’t want him to leave.

“People are out there to cause a bit of trouble and unsettle players but I spoke to Max about the situation and told him to focus on his football. That’s all he wants to do. The only people who matter in this is myself, the chairman (Ken Bates) and Max Gradel.”

Gradel is out of contract with Leeds in less than 12 months’ time and his short deal has encouraged both West Ham and Fulham to identify him as a summer transfer target

Gradel tells Leeds he wants to Go

West Ham target Max Gradel has reportedly told Leeds that he wants to leave the club this summer.According to the Daily Mail, the £3 million-rated winger has informed his employers of his desire to be sold, amid interest from the east Londoners, as well as from Fulham and Lille.

West Ham are already alleged to have had an offer for the 23-year-old rebuffed by Leeds, but the Hammers may now come back with an improved offer should Gradel attempt to force an exit from Elland Road.Some fans at Elland Road believe that the speculation around Gradel is being fuelled by his Agent who some say is trying to engineer a move for the player.He was rumoured to have told Gradel that he could get him a move to a team playing champion's league football.Gradel had indicated in an interview with a local newspaper that he was willing to sign a new contract.However it was then believed that his agent demanded £25000 per week demands that would break Leeds United's pay structure,the highest paid player at Leeds is on £12000 a week

Gradel was named United's Player of the Year last season after a brilliant campaign that saw him net 18 times in 44 appearances, but it would seem he sees his immediate future away from Leeds.

Gradel on Target for Leeds

Leeds included three trialists in their squad at Rochdale tonight but it was the club’s Player of the Year Max Gradel whose first-half goal made it three pre-season wins out of three.

An unnamed left winger (Believed to be Alexandre Mendy) made the starting line-up, and included among the substitutes were free agents JLoyd Samuel and Isaiah Osbourne.

Former Bolton and Aston Villa left back Samuel, 30, spent the final month of last season on loan at Cardiff, while defensive midfielder Osbourne, 23, has been released by Villa and has been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough.

United opened the scoring on the half hour. Rochdale lost possession, enabling Billy Paynter to set up Gradel, who switched the ball from right foot to left and shot past keeper Matt Duke into the bottom corner of the net.

Missing from the Leeds squad were Robert Snodgrass, Lloyd Sam and Patrick Kisnorbo, who collected knocks last week in Scotland, while Luciano Becchio, Davide Somma and Andy O’Brien, who missed the Scotland games through injury, were again absent.

Gradel and former Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown were to the fore as United bossed the first half and were well worth their half-time lead, though Leeds keeper Paul Rachubka had to palm a smart shot from Andrew Tuttle over the bar.

JLoyd Samuel was among a clutch of substitutions made by manager Simon Grayson at the start of the second half, the unnamed trialist being one of the players taken off. Osbourne had to wait until just after the hour to take over from Jonny Howson in central midfield.

Brown took the captain’s arm band from Howson and the pair are set to be rivals for the skipper’s role in the new season. Then, when Brown was substituted, Leigh Bromby became Leeds’ third player to undertake the captain’s duties.

With both sides making regular substitutions, there was little pattern to the game and United comfortably kept a clean sheet.

Motherwell 1 Leeds United 2

Having beaten Falkirk in midweek, United manager Simon Grayson was again looking to utilise his full squad for the game against SPL side Motherwell.And it was Leeds who created the first opening of the game when Lloyd Sam sent over a cross which Billy Paynter puled back across goal inside the first minute.It was a lively opening to the game and Paul Rachubka was also called into action inside the opening five minutes to make a decent save at the near post after good build-up play by the home side.Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley received a stern talking to early in the game following an altercation that was ended by an intervening Paddy Kisnorbo.Leeds were backed by a terrific away following at Fir Park, too, giving some atmosphere to the game.Michael Brown and Adam Clayton were the sitting central midfielders for United with Jonny Howson being given licence to play in an advanced role.And Clayton was the instigator of what appeared to be the opening goal. The youngster whipped in a cross from the left and Paynter poked the ball home from close range - but the effort was ruled out by an offside flag.
Moments later, Motherwell mounted a raid down their left and Steven Hammell smashed a shot against the post after cutting in at an angle.
As the half wore on the rain started to fall, making the pitch greasy, and two Motherwell defenders may have struggled a little when they combined to send Sam sprawling on 34 minutes to win a penalty for United.
Ross McCormack, Scotland international and one-timer Motherwell favourite, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Darren Randolph, who dived low to his left.
Motherwell had an opportunity themselves after Kisnorbo was somewhat harshly penalised on the edge of the box, but the resultant free-kick was over the head of Paul Rachubka and over the bar.
The hosts did get their noses in front on 39 minutes, though, when Chris Humphrey found space on the right and his low cross was converted by Jamie Murphy who slid the ball home at the far post.
Just over 60 seconds later, McCormack had the ball in the net at the other end after good work by Sam, but the whistle had already gone for an infringement.
And shortly before half-time, Aidy White embarked on a run that saw him carry the ball a full 50 yards before his pull-back cross was cleared over his own bar by Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson.
Grayson made four changes at half-time with Alex Bruce, Ben Parker, Max Gradel and Rob Snodgrass all being handed run-outs. The rain also returned with vengance at the start of the second period as the game kicked off in a torrential downpour.
The home side started brightly and after Paul Connolly cut out one cross, Alex Bruce headed away a corner from underneath his own bar.
But Bruce was involved at the other end moments later when he had a header turned over the bar after McCormack saw a shot turned wide.
Snodgrass was also denied with a header, following a good cross from Gradel after Paynter had charged down a poor clearance.
Gradel threatened again on 60 minutes when he had a shot deflected to Randolph in the Motherwell goal, but the home side came storming back up the park and Rachubka showed good command of his box by coming out to punch the ball clear.
Zac Thompson was next to be denied after a move he started and finished. He released McCormack with a good ball and collected the return before being denied by Randolph. Thye Motherwell goalkeeper also pushed the resultant corner over the top under pressure from Snodgrass.
But the next corner proved decisive as Randolph failed to collect and Bruce was on hand to convert from close range to make it 1-1.
Motherwell responded when Rachubka had to save a Michael Higdon header and on the break Thompson saw a shot deflected wide for United. The hosts again failed to deal with the set-play and Randolph had tol be alert to make an instinctive block to deny Bruce once again.
Moments later, United were in front, though, courtesy of a stunning solo effort from Ramon Nunez. The Honduran showed great skill to weave his way through on goal before working an opening for himself to slip the ball home to make it 2-1.
Having surrendered leads like this last season, Grayson was looking for his troops to close the game out and both Rachubka and Parker made good clearances when Motherwell came forward.
Gradel almost created a third, but was denied by a good challenge when McCormack was waiting in the middle, while at the other end substitute goalkeeper Alex Cairns warmed his hands by collecting a free-kick, curled in from just outside of the area. Cairns also made another decent save late on.
And that proved to be the last real action of what was another impressive pre-season outfit as United ended the week in Scotland by recording a second successive victory north of the border.