Lewis Cook release clause report dismissed by Leeds
Thursday 3 March 2016 12:16, UK
Leeds United have dismissed a report that midfielder Lewis Cook has a release clause in his contract at Elland Road.
The Yorkshire Evening Post claimed the 19-year-old's current two-year contract, which he signed at the end of last season, contains a clause which would allow him to leave the club for £5m if Leeds fail to win promotion from the Sky Bet Championship this season.
Leeds are sitting down in 18th place in the table, 17 points adrift of the play-off places, following Monday's 4-0 mauling at Brighton.
Bournemouth were interested in signing Cook in January but Leeds kept hold of him and they insist there is no clause in his contract which could spark his exit in the summer.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Leeds United would like to categorically deny reports that have emerged in the local press this morning regarding a supposed release clause in the contract of Lewis Cook.
"The claim by the Yorkshire Evening Post, which the club feels was published with damaging intentions, is entirely inaccurate and unfair reporting.
"No release clause whatsoever exists in the contract of the player in question."
England U19 international Cook has made 34 appearances for Leeds this season and scored his first Championship goal with a superb long-range strike against Fulham last week.
