Financially stricken Leeds United have held on to Australian striker Mark Viduka and England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson as the transfer window closed with the star pair still at Elland Road.
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren was believed to have offered £4-million for the 28-year-old Viduka, who is back in training after a three-week vigil at home in Melbourne at the bedside of his critically ill father, Joe.
But Leeds chief executive Trevor Birch, who has long stated Viduka would not be leaving during the transfer window, has kept his word to the United supporters.
Leeds manager Eddie Gray hoped the striker would be fit for Saturday’s away match against Aston Villa.
”Mark is back and hopefully he will give us a lift,” Gray said on the club’s website.
Robinson (24) held talks with Tottenham and a fee had been agreed on Monday ahead of the close of the January transfer window.
But Birch announced that no deal had been struck and the keeper was staying put.
”I can confirm that discussions did take place between the clubs and the player but no agreement was reached,” said Birch.
”Paul is looking forward to staying at the club and playing his part in the fight for Premiership survival.”
Club sources said that had Robinson agreed personal terms, Leeds would have sold him to improve their dire financial situation. The club are up to £100-million in debt and have been trying to stave off administration.
Their creditors last week gave them until February 6 to find £5-million to keep going until the end of the season, of which they have raised about £4-million.
Michael Bridges, however, has left after joining Newcastle on loan until the end of the season. — Sapa-AFP