City boss Pearson issues 'hands off' warning on Gradel

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has slapped a "not for sale" sign on winger Max Gradel.

Pearson has also confirmed that striker DJ Campbell will return to the Walkers Stadium following the month-long loan switch to Derby County which was agreed yesterday.

Winger Gradel, who is 22 on Monday, has made a big impact at League One leaders Leeds United, with two goals in seven appearances.

Leeds boss Simon Grayson has hinted that he would like to make Gradel a permanent signing when his Elland Road loan spell ends in January.

Grayson said Gradel had made an "impact" at Leeds, which makes a decision to try to keep him an easier one.

But Pearson said: "He's not for sale – it's as simple as that. Max is a player who has had limited opportunities here this season and that's why he is on loan.

"It gives him an opportunity to be playing games, which is important to us while it's difficult for him to get in our side."

Pearson, preparing for tomorrow's clash at Scunthorpe, said it is a similar scenario with 28-year-old Campbell, who made his peace with City fans after apologising for comments made during a loan spell at Blackpool last season.

He made a shock return to the City bench at Coventry in October but has been limited to just over an hour's playing time.

Pearson said: "It gives him the opportunity to get some games as we have a lot of competition in forward positions – but it is only for a month."

Derby boss Nigel Clough is looking to Campbell to revive the Rams' struggling fortunes in the Championship and City fans believe a returning Campbell, hopefully bang in form, could boost City's cause.

Pearson said: "I'm not really interested in what it does for Derby, only in what it does for us, and he comes back at the end of the month's loan."

There were no incoming players to City before yesterday's 5pm deadline for loan moves and Pearson said: "There was no business from me as I'm happy with the squad and the most important thing is to keep it together."

Meanwhile, Pearson is understood to be continuing negotiations with chairman Milan Mandaric over a new contract.

He is midway through the second year of his current three-year deal.

Pearson said: "I don't get involved in that side of things and it's ongoing, but I'm very happy here and that's the most important thing."