Sport

Johnson to push O'Leary purchases nearer £100m

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale is confident Seth Johnson can go on "to bigger and better things" at Elland Road

Wed Oct 17 2001 - 01:00

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale is confident Seth Johnson can go on "to bigger and better things" at Elland Road. Johnson was yesterday finalising a £7 million sterling move from Derby, who have been forced to off-load the combative midfielder to ease their crippling financial crisis.

"This shows the commitment the board has to backing (manager) David O'Leary in the transfer market," said Ridsdale. The move would take O'Leary's spending to £84-86 million and it could breach £100 million as there is still money left for O'Leary to bring in another two players who have already been earmarked.

The 22-year-old will undergo a medical today and complete the deal - with the fee rising to £9 million depending on appearances - in time for him to make his debut at home to Chelsea on Sunday. Johnson would not be eligible for the first leg of Leeds' UEFA Cup second-round tie against French side Troyes tomorrow.

Derby announced that they had signed Luciano Zavagno from Troyes. He will play alongside defensive midfielder Pierre Ducrocq, who has joined on loan from Paris St Germain for a year.

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