LEEDS have sent Geoff Horsfield back to Sheffield United after the loaned striker asked for Christmas leave.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates revealed: "Horsfield came in and asked if he could have Christmas off. Dennis Wise's response was to send him back to Sheffield United immediately."

Wise said: "I felt Geoff wasn't right for the club in the situation we are in so it was only right that we sent him back. I want people to be fighting for our cause and theirs."

It was one of a series of quick decisions made by manager Dennis Wise on the opening of the transfer window.

The Leeds boss has also sent Ugo Ehiogu back to Middlesbrough after the central defender said he couldn't play two games in three days over the New Year.

And another central defender also departed, Paul Butler's contract ended by mutual consent so that he becomes a free agent. He is expected to sign for MK Dons where he has been on loan throughout December.

But not all the traffic was out of Elland Road. Wise seized the opportunity after the Coventry match on Saturday to talk to manager Micky Adams, who agreed to release Matt Heath on a free transfer. The central defender quickly agreed a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Robbie Elliott, who signed on loan from Sunderland in time to make an impressive debut against Coventry, has also upgraded his deal until the end of the current campaign.