Adam Clayton could leave Middlesbrough this month with Leeds United and Cardiff City joining the Championship-wide chase for his signature.
Leeds United’s hopes of bringing Adam Clayton back to Elland Road this month are likely to come under threat from a former Whites manager.
The Yorkshire Post reported on Tuesday that Leeds were one of a number of Championship clubs keen to sign the 28-year-old midfielder, who has fallen out of favour at Middlesbrough and hasn’t featured in either of Tony Pulis’s first two games at the helm.
Aston Villa, Derby County and both Sheffield clubs are also said to be interested. And the Yorkshire Post adds another name in the frame with Cardiff City reportedly seeing Clayton as a potential replacement for the injured Aron Gunnarsson.
The Bluebirds may need to refresh their squad following a run of four straight defeats which has seen them lose their automatic promotion spot to Derby.
And Cardiff manager Neil Warnock worked with Clayton for a brief period at Elland Road. The veteran gaffer was appointed by Leeds in February 2012 but, just four months later, the former Manchester City youngster had left for Huddersfield Town in a cut-price deal.
Clayton would certainly suit Warnock’s style of play, his hard work and combative nature in the centre of the park fitting perfectly in a Cardiff side who have put themselves in the promotion picture thanks to their ability to grind out tough results.
But if Leeds want to bring Clayton back to West Yorkshire, it would be a major disappointment if Cardiff beat them to the chase. Not just because of the Warnock connection, but because Cardiff could fight Leeds for a place in the play-offs over the next few months.
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