Flahavan open to Leeds return

Keeper keen to play first-team football next season

Last updated: 28th June 2009  

Flahavan open to Leeds return

Flahavan: Keen on Leeds

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Crystal Palace goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan admits he would be interested in a permanent move to Leeds United.

Flahavan finished last season on loan at Elland Road after making just three appearances for Palace following his arrival from Southend United.

Though he did not play a first-team game for Leeds, he is open to returning to the League One club to compete with Casper Ankergren for the No.1 jersey.

"I had a bit of a frustrating time before going to Leeds and the little spell up there really got my enthusiasm going again," said Flahavan in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"When Leeds came in for me, I accepted it was pretty unlikely I'd jump straight into the first team, but it was a change of scene, a chance to train with new players and to try to put the other keepers under pressure.

"I'm out of the picture at Palace and if there was an option to go back to Leeds and seriously fight for a shirt then of course I'd be interested. We'll see what happens."

Aura

Palace boss Neil Warnock is prepared to listen to offers and, after his Leeds counterpart Simon Grayson confirmed he is monitoring the situation, Flahavan would not see a move to the Whites as a step down.

He added: "On a very basic level, you can look at where Leeds are and where Palace are and say that going to Leeds would be dropping down a level. Personally, I wouldn't see it like that.

"I got some idea of what a huge club Leeds are when I went there on loan last season, and they've still got that aura about them.

"Whatever division Leeds are in, getting the chance to go there was a fantastic opportunity for me and one that's very difficult for most players to turn down.

"I don't know whether something more might come of it now, but I certainly don't think that going to Leeds would be a backwards step."