York-born Matthew Kilgallon has agreed a new two-year deal with Leeds United.

Kilgallon turned down Leeds' original offer but put pen to paper last night just days after the Leeds crowd told the board to 'sign him up'.

The chant came after the 20-year-old central defender scored in the 3-3 draw with Charlton on Saturday and followed speculation that Kilgallon (pictured left) was set to sign for West Ham, the club where he spent three months on loan earlier this season.

The youngster, who has already been compared to the emerging Jonathan Woodgate, is delighted his future has finally been secured.

He said: "It's what I wanted. I live only minutes away from the training ground and I have always supported Leeds. My family and girlfriend are here so I don't want to be moving down south.

"All I want is to start next season playing every match for Leeds and have a good season in Division One that ends with us getting promoted."

Kilgallon has played eight Premiership matches this season and admits he is disappointed to be leaving the top-flight.

He added: "Once you have played in the Premiership you don't want to be going into Division One and playing at some of the grounds, but we all want to get straight back up again.

"There are some big bruisers in Division One and a lot of route one football. But there are some good teams and good players and we have the players here to deal with all that."

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, May 13, 2004