Leicester close in on Kasper Schmeichel but fail in £3m bid for Nicky Maynard
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 8:26 AM on 21st June 2011
Leicester are close to agreeing a deal for Kasper Schmeichel after Leeds accepted their £1.25million offer but a £3m bid for Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard has failed.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has just one-year left on his Elland Road contract and manager Simon Grayson suggesting contract negotiations had broken down.
But Schmeichel expressed his surprise and 'great disappointment' at the move.
He said: 'At the end of the season Leeds United and I both made a commitment to honour the last year of my contract and try to win promotion with Leeds United.
'Therefore it is with great disappointment that I have learned that Leeds United have accepted an offer from Leicester.
'I want to put on record that I have never asked to leave the Leeds United, nor did I reject an offer for a new contract, since one was never put to me.
'I was enjoying being a Leeds United player and was looking forward to winning promotion this season with the club.
'I have spoken to the manager Simon Grayson and he has made it clear to me, that, in spite of having played well for him, this is something he believes is a good deal for Leeds United.
'I have been put in a very difficult situation and will spend some time considering my options for my future."
Schmeichel has spent only one season at Elland Road after arriving from Notts County last summer, making 40 appearances.
Grayson earlier said: 'We feel this is the right deal for the club.
'We spoke to Kasper's agent at the end of the season about a contract extension and it was apparent that it was going to be difficult to agree a deal.
'Given the fact he has one year remaining on his contract we feel this is in the best interests of Leeds United.'
Scunthorpe’s Josh Lillis, 23, and Wigan’s Chris Kirkland are alternatives to Schmeichel.
Leicester also hope to sign Huddersfield right back Lee Peltier for £750,000 today.
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2005993/Leicester-close-Kasper-Schmeichel-fail-3m-bid-Nicky-Maynard.html#ixzz1PtZzewGi