Leeds United yesterday turned down a written transfer request from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who had rejected a new four-year deal which the Elland Road club described as their best ever.
Although negotiations are now ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Leeds can persuade the striker to rethink his decision, particularly as Atletico Madrid - who have twice had overtures rejected, the last of them to the tune of £10 million - are waiting in the wings.
The 27-year-old Dutchman, a £2 million buy from the Portuguese club Boavista in June 1997 and with two years left on his current deal, has been Leeds's leading goalscorer in each of his two seasons but refused £25,000-a-week terms believing he is worth £35,000-plus.
"The club cannot do any more. It's up to Jimmy," said David O'Leary, the manager. "What he is looking for I don't think any club in the country could afford."
Atletico have offered Hasselbaink £40,000 a week, however. "We have made a good offer and we will carry on chasing him until we make the signing, even if it upsets Leeds," said Jesus Gil, Atletico's president.
Blackburn have paid Sheffield United £675,000 for the Irish goalkeeper Alan Kelly as a replacement for the 32-year-old Tim Flowers, who had joined Leicester for £1.1 million rising to an appearance-related £1.5 million. Craig Short's £1.7 million transfer from Everton to Blackburn has also gone through.
Middlesbrough yesterday completed the £1 million signing of Paul Ince, (31), from Liverpool and hope to complete a £4 million deal for Milan's 27-year-old wingback Christian Ziege over the weekend. The German was in town last night for a medical.
Ince signed a £20,000-a-week three-year deal after passing his medical and may partner his former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne in a friendly at Huddersfield today.
"I've got an absolute snip, especially compared to, say, Tim Sherwood," said Bryan Robson, Boro's manager. "He's of similar age; an England player who cost Spurs £4 million last season.
A thigh injury has ruled Sunderland's £4 million signing Stefan Schwarz out of today's friendly against Sampdoria.
Crystal Palace's Kevin Miller will not be able to leave on a free transfer. The goalkeeper has walked out and was seeking a return to Watford. But the 30-year-old is in breach of contract; his wage arrears will be met this month and the club will seek around £500,000 for him.
