Leeds United linked to move for Leicester City's Richie Wellens
Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell has given up on signing Leicester City defender Sean St Ledger, but Leeds have been linked with a move for midfielder Richie Wellens.
Jewell believed he had landed transfer-listed centre-back St Ledger only for City boss Nigel Pearson to block the move because of the departure of Sol Bamba to the African Cup of Nations.
-
Richie Wellens
Jewell had hoped to revive the deal and he may have thought it was a possibility if Pearson succeeded in signing Wes Morgan from Nottingham Forest.
However, Forest have rejected two bids from City for their 27-year-old and Jewell is now doubtful St Ledger's move will happen.
"He's in their team now so, certainly for the time being, I can't see that happening," he said.
Meanwhile, there were reports yesterday that Leeds were preparing a bid to sign Wellens.
Manager Simon Grayson is looking for a replacement for Norwich City-bound captain Jonny Howson.
However, it is unlikely City would consider a deal until Pearson is able to bolster his depleted squad.
Having had a plethora of central midfielders, City now look short in that department because Andy King, Matt Oakley, Frank Moussa and Michael Johnson are sidelined while Gelson Fernandes's loan has been cancelled and Japan international Yuki Abe has left the club on compassionate grounds.
Abe had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and has returned to Japan to spend more time with his young family.
"My time in England has been a great experience for me and I am very grateful for the support I have received from my team-mates, the staff at the club and the Leicester City fans," said Abe.
"But the biggest challenge has been the time I have spent away from my young family in Japan and they must be my priority.
"Leicester City is a great club with great supporters and I hope the team, under the manager's guidance, are able to achieve the success that the fans deserve."
Pearson is out to strengthen his squad and, after making striker Nathan Delfouneso his second signing yesterday, he has been linked with several targets, including Portsmouth duo Joel Ward and Jason Pearce.
City have confirmed that full-back Michael Ball's contract has been cancelled by mutual consent.
39 Comments
View all
by daveyboy1963
Thursday, January 26 2012, 1:27PM
“Ash1967,
Quality mate. I don,t think the Leicester Mars Newspaper have an interviewing policy. All you have to do is pitch up with a note book and a blunt pencil and away you go! I have to say, you seem more knowledgable when it comes to getting the names right than most of their current reporters. Lol. Go for it!”
by dougie777
Thursday, January 26 2012, 12:35PM
“sorry it should have read he would have less distance to travel when he had joined them”
by dougie777
Thursday, January 26 2012, 12:31PM
“we could use Wellens in a deal to get Snodgrass that would make good business for us and would have less distance to travel go for it
come on you blues”
by ash1967
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 4:33PM
“We should keep Kevin wellens and the daily mail has never ever got it right, David Beckford and Martyn Mills will be stopping here, on the last 2 performances it looks like it is starting to work out for both, When Sven Gordon Ericsson was here i dont think he motivated the players from the touchline, Neil pearson is constantly throwing instructions from the dug out.
Anybody know how to apply for a journalist job at the Leicester Mars newspaper”
by makrbb
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 3:32PM
“There's no way Leeds would swap Snodgrass for Wellens. That would be mental.
Wellens still has a key role to play for us this season and we should definitely keep him. We just need to realise that he's not going to play 40-odd games a season any more.”
by TheGeofflane
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 1:50PM
“Dear No1fox. You can't blame Kisnorbo for spotting Gradel's talent when even Bournemouth could judge better than city. I wish we still had a fit Kisnorbo. Cisak and Wesolowski are where old city rejects go to die. Oldham. Maybe, when Nigel retires, Premiership trophy under his arm, Paul Dickov will lead us. Onwards and upwards.”
by no1fox
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 1:15PM
“have you noticed how obsessed with Leicester City players Leeds are over the last five or six years they have signed no end.Personally I would never give Leeds my last breath.”
by Jasonwild
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 12:12PM
“We should definately keep St Ledger now, him and mills look more comfortable than i've seen mills-bamba looking for some time.
Bamba is great on his day, and he does provide an aerial threat from corners, etc.
Personally i'd prefer to see more of mills-st ledger together, looked strong, the last two clean sheets prove that.
Wellens should be sold, only for a good offer though, i'd like the idea of a swap for Snodgrass plus some money but we will have to see what can be done on that front.
Drinkwater looked good against Southampton, some of his passes and control, alot to look forward to!
Wellens is a true Leicester player, his passion and commitment can not be questioned and anyone who does clearly isn't a LCFC fan.”
by TheGeofflane
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 11:31AM
“Dear makrbb, not this season, he's on £60,000 per week. Walshie went from CH to CF. Maybe Emile will partner Mills next season, going the other way. He'd win every header and put it safely over the bar. As he does now.”
by makrbb
Wednesday, January 25 2012, 10:57AM
“Well you know that NP has said that he won't pay over the odds for players. He told Donny it was two quid for Sharp, take it or leave it. :D
I see that Sir Emile Heskey is now available for loose change. Any takers?”