LEEDS HOPE TO KEEP BATTY FOR LIFE

Batty, who is in his second spell at the Yorkshire club, still has two years to run on his current deal but Leeds are keen to extend his deal for another twelve months, which would take the player up to the age of 35.

The tough-tackling midfielder has recovered from a series of injury worries and established himself as a key player in David O'Leary's side this season.

The former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers ace, who rejoined Leeds in 1998 for £4.4 million, would be keen to end his career with his boyhood heroes and he would like a lucrative new deal as he ends his illustrious career.

Meanwhile Leeds are being linked with a summer move for AC Milan's tigerish midfielder Reno Gattuso.

The Italian international, who scored the winning goal against England in the friendly clash between the two countries, has impressed David O'Leary this season in their games in the Champions League and he is set to make a bid to bring the player to Elland Road as he tries to build a squad capable of challenging for honours at home and abroad.

The former Glasgow Rangers star would be an ideal long-term replacement to Batty as both share the same type of qualities on the pitch