Smith Close To Reds Move

Last updated : 21 May 2004 By Kevin Markey
"Without giving away too many secrets, we're not that far away. We're just hoping to get to the next stage now and something can happen," Lorimer said to BBC Radio 5 Live.

Everton entered the race for Smith with an offer of £7m yesterday, while Newcastle and Middlesbrough have also kept in contact with Elland Road to monitor the situation.

In a slight twist to the transfer, David Bellion, who joined Manchester United last summer from Sunderland, is being offered as a makeweight in a cash-plus-player bid with Leeds getting the forward as well as £6.5m.