Kisnorbo pens news Leeds deal (apparently we were interested)

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Not sure if we were just looking at him or if we made an offer but anyhow, signed a new deal at Leeds now...

Leeds United have staved off interest in Patrick Kisnorbo by signing the popular defender to a new two-year contract.

Kisnorbo put pen to paper ahead of United’s pre-season tour of Scotland, quelling suggestions that a rival Championship team would step in and acquire his signature.

Gus Poyet’s Brighton were one of the clubs attracted by Kisnorbo’s potential availability, and Crystal Palace recently emerged as another outfit intent on recruiting him.

The Australian international began training with Leeds on a short-term basis last Monday having reached the end of his previous deal at Elland Road, and United were expected to delay a firm contract offer until later in the summer.

Kisnorbo is returning from a serious Achilles injury and was initially asked to prove his fitness during six pre-season friendlies – the first of which takes place against Falkirk on Wednesday night – but a long-term deal was concluded over the weekend.

United’s agreement with Kisnorbo comes as a welcome boost to manager Simon Grayson after a summer in which he has so far concluded only one new signing.

Grayson said: “The deal shows the commitment of both the club and Paddy.

“He’s had a tough time but we know what he brings to the team. He’s a very important member of our squad.”

Kisnorbo’s popularity among United’s supporters surged during his first season at Elland Road – a campaign which saw him named as Leeds’ player of the year for 2010 – but he missed all but one of last season’s fixtures amid a prolonged fight to regain his fitness.

Grayson is expected to give the 30-year-old his first run-out of the summer at Falkirk with a view to having Kisnorbo fit for the start of the Championship season.

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

I know a few Palace fans that were really hoping they would sign him. Shame