Leeds United have denied Neil Warnock's claim that he was willing to pay more for Matthew Kilgallon in the summer than the £1.75 million he paid this week.

The Sheffield United boss claimed: "It was also good business, because I offered more in the summer."

But Leeds chief executive Shaun Harvey countered that while Warnock had inquired about Kilgallon, he had never made a firm offer.

With Leeds fans sensitive to the continuing departure of their best young players, Harvey also felt it necessary to explain why, having turned away the Blades six months ago, Leeds had now decided to accept their offer.

He said: "After the disappointment of losing the play-off final at Cardiff, we believed he (Kilgallon) was a person who could take the club forward. However, we now believe this is a deal that suits all parties."

Leeds are expected to field a young side in their reserve match against Huddersfield tonight at Elland Road.

It is the last evening home reserve game for a while as matches against Port Vale, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley have been switched from 7pm to 2pm.