KEVIN Smith has become the first player to leave Leeds United during the January transfer window and with only a few days to go, Kevin Blackwell's hopes of strengthening his squad now look slim.

The Edinburgh-born forward, who has moved to Sunderland on a free transfer, played several games in Leeds reserves and was given a squad number this year but never made his first team debut.

His move will do little to ease the Leeds wage bill, which has shot up with the return to the club of loan players Eirik Bakke and Michael Ricketts, who are two of the highest paid players in the club.

There were also rumours around Elland Road that they were hoping to offload Sean Gregan and surplus to requirements striker Ian Moore, but no offers have been received and Gregan is now needed to cover for the injured Matthew Kilgallon.

Blackwell's hands have been tied until he knew what was happening to Bakke and Ricketts. If they stay, he can't afford to bring in anyone and if they go this week, he only has a few days to make any signings he wants.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, January 26, 2006