Latest Transfer Update at 01-02-2012

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Simon Grayson: On his way

SIMON GRAYSON SACKED BY LEEDS

Leeds manager Simon Grayson has been sacked after just over three years in charge.
Grayson, 42, who replaced Gary McAllister as manager of his boyhood club in December 2008, has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as Leeds have fallen out of the top six in the npower Championship.
A heavy 4-1 home defeat to Birmingham on Tuesday night appears to have been the final straw for chairman Ken Bates, who is now in the hunt for his fifth Leeds manager during his seven years at the club.
Chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "We have 18 games to go this season and are still within touching distance of the play-offs, but felt with the transfer window now closed we needed to make the change at this time in the belief that a new managerial team will be able to get more out of the existing squad of players and make the difference.
"Simon and his staff have given the club over three good years service and we would like to place on record our thanks and wish them all the best for the future. Current youth-team manager Neil Redfearn has been asked to take temporary charge of the first team until a new manager is available."
Former Blackpool boss Grayson, who began his playing career at the club, steered Leeds to promotion from npower League One in 2010 and missed out on the Championship play-offs by three points last season, but so far the club have failed to mount a serious promotion challenge this time around.

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Paul Pogba: In talks with Man United

FERGUSON HOPEFUL OF POGBA DEAL

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful of retaining young midfielder Paul Pogba.
The 18-year-old was introduced for his Barclays Premier League debut in United's win over Stoke on Tuesday night as Ferguson opted to give Pogba some valuable experience.
It was a notable move on the day Ravel Morrison quit for West Ham and comes at a time when United are still trying to persuade Pogba to sign a new contract.
Italian giants Juventus are amongst the clubs who have expressed an interest in the French teenager, whom Ferguson has previously advised not to follow the money trail because if he makes it at Old Trafford, Pogba will be a very wealthy young man.
And the United boss confirmed talks were continuing and he was hopeful of a positive resolution.
"Pogba did very well," Ferguson told the BBC.
"The boy has great talent and tremendous physique for an 18-year-old. You can't believe it.
"We are negotiating his contract at the moment. It is a bit complicated at the moment because he has changed his agent a couple of times.
"But the boy wants to stay, that is obvious. Hopefully we can get it done soon."

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Frederic Veseli: Crosses Manchester divide

VESELI FELT HE WASN'T PROGRESSING

Frederic Veseli crossed the Manchester divide from City to United because he felt the Blues' priorities have drifted away from nurturing young players in the pursuit of major honours.
The 19-year-old was United's only deadline-day signing and will initially link up with Warren Joyce's reserve-team squad before pushing for a chance at senior level.
Skipper of the Swiss Under-17 side crowned world champions in 2009, Veseli hoped to get his chance at City this term after being part of Roberto Mancini's squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
However, the opportunity never came and as Veseli grew disillusioned, in stepped United, whose manager Sir Alex Ferguson has never been afraid to give youngsters a go.
"These days, Manchester City are chasing titles and major trophies," explained Veseli's agent Adam Bouskouchi said.
"It is difficult for them to have faith in youth because they obviously feel experience is the best way for them to get where they want to go.
"But that attitude didn't help Freddie, who just felt like he wasn't progressing.
"On that pre-season tour, both Roberto Mancini and - director of football - Brian Marwood said how well he had done. But since then, nothing."
In fairness to Mancini, he does not have 12 league titles to fall back on if he gets it wrong.
It cannot be underestimated how much strength that gives to Ferguson, who handed Ben Amos and Paul Pogba their Premier League debuts in Tuesday night's win over Stoke.
"Freddie spoke with several clubs, here and abroad," said Bouskouchi.
"But he wants to be a top player in England and when Sir Alex spoke to him, it made such an impression.
"He is a difficult man to say no to and his track record was enough for Freddie to feel he was making the right choice to join United."
As City are not part of the Premier Reserve League, Veseli is lacking match fitness at present.
However, his aims are clear, both in the short-term and then later in the year, when Switzerland will be amongst the countries competiting at the London Olympics.
"First his challenge is to establish himself at reserve level, then push on for the first team," said Bouskouchi.
"But the Swiss Federation have also been in touch and they are keeping track of him.
"However, they have said Freddie must at least be involved at reserve team level before they could consider him for the Olympics."