Brighton and Hove Albion have been linked with a summer move for Blues midfielder Grant Leadbitter. The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season with Middlesbrough understood to be strong favourites for his signature.

Blues boss Paul Jewell said last week that he is keen to keep the former Sunderland man at Portman Road: “I spoke to Grant on Thursday. It was a football conversation really. Obviously we want to keep him and I just wanted to see what he was thinking.

“We had a long conversation and he told me that he’s keen to stay. So, we’ve just got to try and sort out the financial side of it, which is up to Marcus and Grant’s agent.”

A return to his native North-East is believed to appeal to the former England U21 international, who joined the Blues for £2.65 million from Sunderland in the summer of 2009.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

jas0999 added 09:43 - Apr 5 If we lose Grant to Brighton - it really does demonstrate what a muddle we are in. Surely we can offer the same/better terms than Brighton?
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itfc1981 added 09:45 - Apr 5 Yes Jas but they can offer Gus.
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carefreeblue added 09:48 - Apr 5 Bye bye Grant and thanks for all you have done pity we cant compete with Brighton on the wages front.
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ArnieMsBigToe added 09:51 - Apr 5 I think that we should let him go. He wasn't called Lead boots for nothing. He's only started playing coz his contract is nearly up. Give Hyam an extended run PJ. Please!!!!!!!!!!!
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blueblood66 added 09:57 - Apr 5 Losing one of our better players to little Brighton...let's hope not as that would be a watershed for this club, a very sad situation indeed.
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northdevonblue added 10:02 - Apr 5 Im sorry but 3months of good play does not make up for a wasted 3/4 year contract, im wondering where all these great performances were when he wasnt nearly out of contract.
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RetroBlue added 10:16 - Apr 5 well if Leadboots did leave us for BHA it would only be for wages - which demonstrates all that is wrong in football these days. Its hardly a step up for him is it ! Id rather have Hyam and Carson in the team - maybe PJ will eventually get around to offering better contracts to the FUTURE of this Club
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Surco72 added 10:23 - Apr 5 Jas perhaps Brighton can afford to offer higher wages because they didnt waste £2.6 million on a fee for a handful of good games over 3 years .No team would pay that much for Leadbitter now which is why the club and he has let his contract run down ,another poor over priced Keane signing
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Karlosfandangal added 10:28 - Apr 5 Has done well for us over the last few games but has been very ordinary since we brought him. Maybe being the captain was too much for him as he seem to play better without the responsibility. Imo would let him leave and move for Derby's Green who is out of contract this summer too
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bontcho added 10:29 - Apr 5 Strikes me as an agent story to ensure Boro realise there's competition for his services. Nothing to read too much into, would be surprised if he's here next year.
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bluelady added 10:34 - Apr 5 will you all please read the above article...... he has been linked with a move by Brighton, NOT he has agreed a move, is even aware of a move for him or is remotely interested. This is more media speculation an out of contract on form midfielder will be linked with all and sundry it makes good reading and gets those who believe all they read hot under the collar, 1 - 0 to the press. My bet would be on Middlesborough simply as that is nearer his roots and a big club.

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brian_a_mul added 10:36 - Apr 5 Yep, I agree Bontcho! Let the contract run down, start to play a bit of football, score a few goals, declare other clubs interested in the media, force ITFC to push the boat out on wages, sign new contract and sit on his ass for another two seasons collecting an even fatter pay packet. the only winner here is the agent :( Adios & best of luck Grant.
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Blue041273 added 10:58 - Apr 5 By the time GL has to decide what he wants to do Brighton could well be a Premier League team capable of offering him a Premier League contract. Throw in a new stadium with a growing fan base and one of the Country's best young managers and what's not to consider. Whether or not this rumour is true it demonstrates the progress Brighton have made while we have been standing still.

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afrodids added 11:08 - Apr 5 If he goes he goes,as many have said he's put himself in the shop window the way he has played lately surely have should have played that way through out his contract. If he does sign are we gonna end up with a Bullard situation whereas he plays his socks off to get a contract then goes back to the leadboots we all know and besides there is a certain george boyd down the road at posh on the transfer list. I know which player I'd rather have!

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eaii added 11:10 - Apr 5 Well Mr Leadboots,the 'proverbial Cat said to the proverbial Pidgeon' "F.ck Off then"!
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yorksblue added 11:13 - Apr 5 One of the country's best young managers maybe, but one who has no idea about discipline. They have a bloke sent off every week. Either a player or member of the management team.
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PimsOclock added 11:35 - Apr 5 Cue Brighton banner for next season. "Hated by a section of our fans, Fighting for a place in the first team up until a few weeks ago, There are somethings no money can't not buy, for everything else not bought by no Amex, Grant Leadbitter -Priceless"
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PauloJulio added 11:38 - Apr 5 Cheerio then!
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Kesgraveblue57 added 11:41 - Apr 5 Byeeeeeeeeeeeee he can easy be replaced
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Tractamatt added 12:12 - Apr 5 I dont think he should play for us again untill he signs he is keeping young players out of the side who , now we are safe , could use the experience. So Grant sign up or sign off.
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Mark added 12:31 - Apr 5 Leadbitter should have been sold or signed last summer, but I suppose the problem was the silly wages he was put on after Keane made him out to be a Premier League midfielder worth £2.7M. Whether he stays or goes, I am not that worried as he has been mediocre and I am sure Jewell can find some better players to bring in for a far lower wage.
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ipswichtillidie added 13:29 - Apr 5 Don't think he will be missed if he leaves. Simply is not consistant enough. Maybe it's just a coincidence his form picks up as his contract runs to an end...... Hmmmmmmm Better players out there in my view.
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ozzydog added 13:40 - Apr 5 There are some who are missing the point here. Clubs now have to think in terms of the financial fair play rules,which to be fair Ipswich are doing right now with players having to accept lower wages. Financial reality has hit home. Brighton or any other club may decide to spend more of their allowable budget on a particular player. It is not a case of Brighton can pay higher wages it`s what % of their budget they think a player is worth and this applies to every club.

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jabberjackson added 14:53 - Apr 5 would not lose a second of sleep if GL goes, and anyone with a memory longer than a month would agree
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wiggy71 added 15:08 - Apr 5 maybe just maybe if you didn't call him leadboots and spend the last 2 seasons on his back maybe he might have wanted to stay we all bang on about players loving the club but how abouts the club loving the player
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