Christie in line for Whites deal

Striker offered incentive of permanent contract at Elland Road

Last updated: 20th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Christie in line for Whites deal

Christie: Impressed

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Leeds United chairman Ken Bates is optimistic that Malcolm Christie will sign a permanent contract.

Christie has agreed non-contract terms with the Whites and started Monday's FA Cup first-round replay win over Northampton Town.

The striker had been training with Leeds to build up his fitness and his run-out against Northampton was his first since April 2007.

Bates was impressed with the 29-year-old and will leave manager Gary McAllister to make a decision on whether to keep Christie.

Different dimension

"I was very impressed with Malcolm Christie," Bates told the club's official website.

"He's very talented, he's here on a non-contract basis, and he gave us a different dimension.

"Malcolm is keen to prove himself and we hope that when he does, he and we will sign a full contract, but that of course will be down to Gary."

McAllister accepts that other clubs may now start sniffing around Christie following his successful return to first-team football.

The Leeds boss said: "He's been working on his fitness at Thorp Arch and we've been looking after him.

"He's back on the radar for loads of other clubs, but we've got him on a non-contract basis and we're delighted."