leedsutd365.co.uk

Anthony Elding finally gave up playing the reluctant bride and gave in to the attentions of ardent suitor Crewe Alexandra.

He signed a three year contract with the Railwaymen earlier today.

The transfer fee is reported to be six figures but it is unlikely that Leeds recovered the £200,000 that they paid for Elding. A discount will have had to be made t offset the difference between wage levels at the two clubs.

Elding turned down Crewe to come to Leeds in January from Stockport County.

He was then pursued by Crewe in the early part of the close season. The clubs agreed a transfer fee and Elding met with Crewe officals but personal terms could not be agreed and Elding returned to Elland Road to fight for his place.

However, McAllister made it clear that he did not feature in his plans and the message was driven home when Elding was excluded from the current tour of Ireland.

With Leeds being linked with Marcus Haber, Robert Snodgrass, Jay Bothroyd and Luciano Becchio just this week Elding saw the writing on the wall and departed gracefully to Crewe where he is undoubtedly wanted by the manager.