BRADFORD CITY are understood to be planning a cheeky bid to sign Leeds outcast David Batty.
United's West Yorkshire neighbours have been alerted to the veteran midfielder's availability after seeing him miss the entire pre-season programme at Elland Road.
Batty's Leeds career looks all-but over after he refused to fly to the Far East for the pre-season tour and then to Scotland for last week's friendly with Rangers. He was not even selected in the squad for the match at Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
His lack of action has not helped him to win over new boss Terry Venables and it is now almost certain that the player will not feature in the first team when United launch their Premiership campaign against Manchester City on Saturday.
While Batty's decision not to fly has certainly hampered matters, it is understood there are also questions over whether he can fit into Venables' new system.
Playing just a three across the middle requires ultra-fit and mobile personnel. At the age of 33 there are doubts whether Batty can still command the midfield as he did in his prime.
After run-ins with former boss David O'Leary last season there was a possibility of Batty moving across the Pennines to team up with old boss Kevin Keegan at Manchester City. Now Bantams chief Nicky Law is ready to throw Batty a lifeline A major stumbling block for the cash-strapped Valley Parade club would be the player's wages.
Leeds would seemingly allow their man to leave for a minimal price as they look to cut the wage bill before the transfer window closes on August 31.
United must reduce their squad within the next fortnight, with the likes of Gary Kelly, Michael Duberry, Jason Wilcox and even Olivier Dacourt thought to be up for grabs.
One player not going anywhere, however, is Michael Bridges. Newcastle showed some interest in the striker earlier this week but were told he is not for sale at any price.
United's West Yorkshire neighbours have been alerted to the veteran midfielder's availability after seeing him miss the entire pre-season programme at Elland Road.
Batty's Leeds career looks all-but over after he refused to fly to the Far East for the pre-season tour and then to Scotland for last week's friendly with Rangers. He was not even selected in the squad for the match at Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
His lack of action has not helped him to win over new boss Terry Venables and it is now almost certain that the player will not feature in the first team when United launch their Premiership campaign against Manchester City on Saturday.
While Batty's decision not to fly has certainly hampered matters, it is understood there are also questions over whether he can fit into Venables' new system.
Playing just a three across the middle requires ultra-fit and mobile personnel. At the age of 33 there are doubts whether Batty can still command the midfield as he did in his prime.
After run-ins with former boss David O'Leary last season there was a possibility of Batty moving across the Pennines to team up with old boss Kevin Keegan at Manchester City. Now Bantams chief Nicky Law is ready to throw Batty a lifeline A major stumbling block for the cash-strapped Valley Parade club would be the player's wages.
Leeds would seemingly allow their man to leave for a minimal price as they look to cut the wage bill before the transfer window closes on August 31.
United must reduce their squad within the next fortnight, with the likes of Gary Kelly, Michael Duberry, Jason Wilcox and even Olivier Dacourt thought to be up for grabs.
One player not going anywhere, however, is Michael Bridges. Newcastle showed some interest in the striker earlier this week but were told he is not for sale at any price.
