http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/Leeds-United-v-Walsall-Leeds.6075358.jp
Leeds United v Walsall: Leeds retain hopes of signing Dickov
Published Date:
16 February 2010
By Richard Sutcliffe
SIMON GRAYSON last night revealed Leeds United still hope to sign Paul
Dickov despite FIFA regulations having initially blocked the deal.
The 37-year-old was released by Leicester earlier this month and spent
several days training with the Elland Road club last week.
Grayson wants to sign Dickov, who made 16 appearances when on loan at
Derby County in the autumn, but FIFA regulations stipulate a player can
represent a maximum of two clubs in one season in the same country.
With the deal seemingly dead, the veteran striker flew to Florida where
he has been training with MLS side Toronto FC. Dickov came off the bench
in Sunday's pre-season friendly against University of South Florida as
Toronto won 1-0.
Grayson, however, is refusing to give up and Leeds are seeking urgent
clarification from FIFA and UEFA ahead of the striker's planned return
to West Yorkshire later this week.
Speaking ahead of tonight's League One encounter with Walsall, the
United manager said: "If Paul signs for us, we would be his third club
of the season and the problem is a player can only appear for two clubs
within a certain window.
"We are trying to investigate a way round it. Dickov has gone to America
and he will have a look but be back with us on Wednesday or Thursday. We
can then see where we are with FIFA and UEFA. He is a player I like. He
has played for me before (at Blackpool) and I want competition for
places. I won't say it will definitely happen but he looked fit and
lively in training."
Leeds can point to a precedent when discussing the matter with FIFA as
Nicky Shorey has already played for Fulham, Aston Villa and Nottingham
Forest this term.
The FA, Premier League and Football League classing his time at the City
Ground as an emergency loan allowed Shorey's January switch to Craven
Cottage, though it is understood FIFA take a dim view of what they
regard as a loophole.
Asked if he would look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements if the
Dickov deal proves too problematic, Grayson said: "I am always looking
to strengthen.
"If things go to plan, Tresor (Kandol) could be back for the weekend
(after injury). That would give me another option. We also have other
options within the squad as to who can play up front. But, sometimes,
just having that extra body within a group of games can make a
difference. Whether that is Paul Dickov or someone else, only time will
tell."
The focus tonight switches to the visit of Walsall as Leeds look to cut
Norwich City's lead at the top to just one point.
With United having collected just six points from as many league games
in 2010, it also represents a golden chance to lay down a marker in the
race for automatic promotion – especially as Walsall's visit to Elland
Road is the first of three home games in a row.
Grayson, whose side entertain Brighton on Saturday and Oldham Athletic a
week tonight, said: "Maybe one or two people got carried away when we
were so far in front but we were never going to maintain that sort of
run. There was always going to be a lull in results and performances.
"The key is remaining positive. There are 17 games to go and we are in a
very strong position. We feel we can now kick on and get as many points
as possible.
"Norwich deserve tremendous credit because they have collected 41 points
from a possible 45. That is a fantastic record and the sort we had at
the start of the season."
Asked who he considered to be United's main rivals for automatic
promotion, Grayson added: "I am keeping an eye on everyone, I have to
because there are so many games to play. Anyone can go on a good run.
Colchester are not too far away, while Millwall have won five on the trot.
"We only have to look at ourselves at this stage last season for an
example of how a side can get on a good run. We felt until very late on
that we could catch the top two.
"Other teams will be thinking that about us now. But the big positive is
our destiny is in our own hands. We have a couple of games in hand on
the teams around us."
Top scorer Jermaine Beckford could return after hamstring trouble but
Patrick Kisnorbo is out, though the Australian defender is expected to
return to training tomorrow.
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