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Former Derby County and Middlesbrough forward Malcolm Christie is currently training with the Leeds United squad at the Thorpe Arch training facility.

Leeds have made it clear, however, that Christie, who is a free agent, is not training with a view to being offered a contract. The club are merely helping Peterborough-born Christie regain fitness, after a much publicised back- injury.

Gary McAllister said yesterday in the YEP: “Malcolm has had a tough time with injuries. I understand he trained with the club when Dennis Wise was here, but subsequently suffered an injury.

“On that basis, it is courtesy and etiquette that he has been able to use the facilities we have to help himself back to fitness.

“It is not a second trial as someone has reported.”

Chrisite nearly joined Leeds United, then under Dennis Wise, in the 2007-08 season but the back-injury kiboshed the deal.

The talented striker signed for Middlesborough in a £3,000,000 deal in January 2003, from Derby County.

Derby had paid Nuneaton just £50,000 for his services back in 1998.

He has made 178 appearances (including subs) and scored 44 goals in his professional career at the two League clubs. He is still only 29 and has his best years ahead of him if he can shake off the troublesome back injury.

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