Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray has refused to either confirm nor deny his interest in Blues midfielder Grant Leadbitter. The Teessiders are believed to be close to agreeing a deal with the out-of-contract former Sunderland man, who has also been linked with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Asked about Leadbitter, former Blues skipper and coach Mowbray said: "I don't think it's a time for me to talk about bringing in specific players.

"The squad we have got at the moment has to get on with the job and try and get us into the Premier League.

"We've got, I think, eight players out of contract in the summer and some of them we probably won't be able to re-sign because of the financial restraints on the club. So we are looking everywhere for players who can help us move forward."

Photo: Action Images

jasondozzell added 14:05 - Apr 5 i.e Grant is on his way. He was very impressive briefly at the beginning of his time with us but never lived up to potential after that. Back on form of late, but can't say I will be too sad to see him go...
0

souster4 added 14:07 - Apr 5 jasondozzell, i disagree, he has been pretty useless over the past 2 years but not being in the team week in week out has made him think and work harder in training and not just resting on his natural footballing ability, give him a new contract PJ. COYB
0

olimar added 14:08 - Apr 5 "We've got, I think, eight players out of contract in the summer and some of them we probably won't be able to re-sign because of the financial restraints on the club." Id be surprised if Ipswich cant offer him a similar or better contract than Boro will. Just depends on whether he thinks Boro are a better bet, or wants to move back to the area. I doubt finance will have much to do with it.

0

muhrensleftfoot added 14:12 - Apr 5 2 years of mediocrity followed by 3 or 4 weeks of good form. If he won't sign what's currently on offer from us, then forget it. Make Drury & Bullard our 1st choice central midfield pairing, with Hyam and Stevenson as back up.
0

Karlosfandangal added 14:29 - Apr 5 Let him go and bring in Green on a free from Derby
0

Farmer_Giles added 14:40 - Apr 5 That's fine, we'll have Bailey instead !!!
0

Steelmonkey added 15:12 - Apr 5 If he would play like he has the last 4 to 5 games for a complete season then yes give a new contract. Unfortunatly, his good form has only come about because he wants away from the club and has put himself in the window for a summer move, having already rejected an offer of a contract. PJ, if he has no intention of wanting to stay, drop him now and put a player in that does (Hyam). Souster4, I agree he has had a pretty dismal 2 years, could never believe how he kept making the team, week in and week out, perhaps PJ should have dropped him earlier.

0

StowTractorBoy added 15:52 - Apr 5 Whether he is going to sign for us or not, until a decision is made I would not play him again. We have little to play for now, so go back to the Drury Hyam partnership which without doubt was the main contributory factor for us climbing out of trouble.
0

mightytown added 16:07 - Apr 5 i hope he stays but at the same time, no player (bar messi) is irreplaceable. if he goes would like to see him replaced with paul coutts of PNE, seems a decent young player who could do with a fresh start. as i say i'd liike Leadbitter to stay if only because it saves us having to find a replacement
0

chripswich added 16:16 - Apr 5 met him in milsoms..undoubtedly one of the most miserable people ive ever come across..has only been playing for a new club/contract..bullard in disguise..get shot!!
0

RetroBlue added 16:58 - Apr 5 Leadbitter is ONLY interested in playing for a Club that offers the most loot. Id rather we offered Carson and Hyam 3 yr deals apiece than waste money of Leadboots !
0

Keaneish added 18:52 - Apr 5 Fine if he goes. Get Paul Green in from Derby on a free.
0

fussysnake added 21:49 - Apr 5 Bye Grant, thanks for everything (nothing)
0

DiamondGezzer added 07:17 - Apr 6 What a waste of a couple of years and a lot of money, if he decides to go. These last few weeks have shown that the talent has been there, but unused. You've got to admit, the player we're watching now is far removed from the one a lot of people were slagging off not that long ago. If the ' new ' Grant Leadbitter could be relied upon to turn up each week producing the recent work ethic, then offer him a deal. My own thoughts are, that he will go and is just running his contract down a la Norris and Mcauley. A great shame.

0

bedsitfc added 08:23 - Apr 6 as an ex sunderland player he shouldnt go to boro or newcastle.
0

Joetown95 added 15:19 - Apr 9 Leadbitter is a player we should keep
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls