Ross McCormack is poised to reject Leeds United’s offer of a new contract, casting doubt over his future at Elland Road.
Manager Neil Warnock expects McCormack to turn down the improved terms put to him by Leeds, leaving the club to ponder the fate of their leading goalscorer.
The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer and United’s unsuccessful bid to extend his deal could force them to listen to offers for him.
McCormack scored 19 goals for the club this season and won the Yorkshire Evening Post’s player-of-the-year award, but his refusal to renew his contract is likely to encourage close-season bids.
Warnock told the YEP: “It’s unlikely he’ll sign.
“We’ve offered Ross an increase but his representatives made it clear that they’re looking for a more significant increase after the season he’s had.
“We’ve agreed to play it by ear and see where things go from here but he’s going into his last year and it might be that people come in for him now.”
McCormack was signed from Cardiff City on a three-year deal in 2009 and he recovered from a quiet first season at Elland Road to go within one strike of a 20-goal haul this term.
He was invited for contract talks with Warnock towards the end of the campaign and received the offer of an enhanced salary. He is unlikely to receive a further offer which meets his expectations.
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The Scotland international is one of a number of players involved in contract negotiations with Leeds.
Captain Robert Snodgrass is considering a deal which would make him United’s highest-paid player and Aidan White is yet to agree an extension to a contract which expires this summer.
White has already rejected one offer from Leeds and will soon be free to speak to rival clubs. United stand to receive compensation if White joins another English side.
Warnock recently transfer-listed midfielder Adam Clayton after failing to tie the 23-year-old to a new deal and he admitted at the time that he was unclear about the intentions of McCormack, Snodgrass and White.
“They’ve all had offers but there’s no guarantee that any of them will re-sign,” Warnock said.
“That’s the nature of football and it’s their prerogative. It’s a big concern because you want to keep your better players.
“I can’t say hand on heart that any of them will re-sign – but they might all re-sign.”
Source: www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
