Leeds United will not face Derby County in a friendly later this year.
According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United have turned down the chance to play Championship rivals Derby County in a friendly match during the international break in March.
The Whites recently defeated the Rams 1-0 in a vital league fixture, but if things had worked out differently they may have also been going head-to-head in a somewhat bizarre friendly clash while the domestic programme was suspended for international fixtures.
According to the YEP, Derby owner Mel Morris saw the match as a challenge to the Football League’s deal with Sky Sports. However, new Leeds joint-owner Andrea Radrizzani is said to have concerns about a friendly in the final two months of a vital campaign.
Leeds are currently flying high in the Championship, sitting third as things stand and with one eye on a possible automatic promotion place if they can maintain their current form.
Garry Monk has been integral in that upturn and he was reportedly consulted about the prospect of the friendly against Derby before Leeds opted not to go ahead.
It is a wise move for a side that really does not need another match as they attempt to return to the Premier League after far too long away.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
