Leeds United are expected to sign Brighton midfielder Seb Carole on a three-year deal next week subject to a medical, reports BBC Radio Leeds.

Carole, 23, has activated a release clause in his contract following Brighton's relegation to League One.

Meanwhile Leeds coach John Carver says he intends to see out the last year of his deal despite being linked with the vacant managerial post at Carlisle.

Carver joined Leeds 12 months ago after leaving Newcastle.

Leeds head coach John Carver has turned down the chance to take over as Carlisle United's new manager.
The Cumbrians are seeking a replacement for Paul Simpson, who left the club to take over the reins at Preston.

Carver, who was assistant to Bobby Robson at Newcastle, told BBC Radio Leeds: "This is the right decision.

"After one season in the Championship, I know what it takes to achieve promotion and I am delighted to be honouring my contract at Leeds."

Meanwhile, Leeds have rejected reports that Sheffield United have made a £1.4m bid for striker Rob Hulse.

Seb Carole today became Leeds United's first summer signing.

The former Brighton winger completed the formalities of his move to Elland Road this morning.

The 23-year-old activated a release clause in his Brighton contract, following the club's relegation last season, and joins Leeds on a free transfer.

United manager Kevin Blackwell said: "We're delighted to complete the signing of Seb.

"We're always on the lookout for players who can strengthen the squad here and Seb fits the criteria of what we are looking for.

"He's a young lad, he's ambitious, and he did well at Brighton last season during a tough year.

"He's got good pace and can play on either flank. He's a welcome addition to the squad."

Seb, who had a loan spell at West Ham in 2004, made 42 appearances for Brighton last season after joining the club from Monaco.

The Frenchman scored his first Seagulls goal at Elland Road last season during a 3-3 draw in September. He also featured against Leeds at the Withdean Stadium in January.



Simon Walton is in talks with Charlton Athletic about a potential move to the Premiership.

The London club have made a formal approach to speak to the 18-year-old utility man and discussions are ongoing.

United manager Kevin Blackwell told leedsunited.com: "We've had an approach from Charlton about Simon and have allowed him to speak to them.

"They are a Premiership club and it's potentially an opportunity for him. We are not going to stand in his way."

The Leeds-born youngster, who is still under contract at Elland Road, made 33 appearances during his debut season two years ago, but started just four games last term.

Simon, an England youth international, made his Leeds debut against Valencia in a pre-season friendly at Elland Road in the summer of 2004.

Former Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie has taken over as new Charlton boss and is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Rob Hulse has dismissed reports linking him with a move away from Leeds are speculation.

The 26-year-old has already been the subject of one summer bid from the Canaries and there remains sustained interest from Neil Warnock's newly-promoted Blades, but he insists his future remains at Elland Road.

"I see my future at the club, absolutely," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"I'm a Leeds United player and I'm very happy where I am. I'm only interested in going out and doing my job.

"Nothing's been said to me, so for the moment I'll treat everything as speculation. I've been away on holiday until recently and I haven't taken much notice of that sort of thing."




The 28-year-old's current deal at Elland Road is up next year and he knows he will be playing for his future once the new campaign gets underway.

The Norwegian international did his chances no harm with a storming display in a friendly against Sparta Sparsborg on Thursday and Bakke is hoping for an injury-free time come August 5.

"This is a very important season for me," he said. "I'm playing for my future, for my career, and I think it is my biggest season in years.

"Fingers crossed, I haven't felt any problem in my legs and I haven't missed a training session. It's good to get games and prepare for August 5," Bakke added on the club's official website.




Jonathan Woodgate is returning to Real Madrid after spending three months training with Leeds.

The former United defender has been working with physio Dave Hancock as he attempts to shake off the injury problems that have blighted his Real Madrid career.

"My rehab's gone well and I'm very grateful to Leeds for helping me get fit," he told the club's official website.

"The facilities here are second to none. The training's been hard - it's probably one of the hardest pre-seasons I've ever had - but hopefully I can go back to Madrid and start flying again."

C'mon Leeds!!!!

Of Course 

Leeds United have agreed a deal with Millwall for skipper Dave Livermore.

As exclusively revealed on Yorkshire Radio on Sunday morning, the Lions captain is expected in Leeds on Monday to talk personal terms and undergo a medical.

If everything goes to plan, it is hoped that the 26-year-old will put pen to paper later this week.

Livermore is predominantly a midfielder, but also featured at centre-back for Millwall. He has also played on the left side of both midfield and defence.

The former Arsenal trainee made over 300 appearances for Millwall, scoring 14 goals, and will become Kevin Blackwell's second signing of the summer.

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Novi dresovi

Two goals from Jermaine Beckford helped Leeds record a comfortable 4-1 friendly victory at Darlington.

Gylfi Einarsson put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute but the Quakers drew level with a stunning volley from Fabio Digenti 10 minutes after the break.

But Beckford's quickfire brace restored the Yorkshire side's advantage and Hayden Foxe wrapped up the win late on.

Leeds' opening Championship game is against Norwich on 5 August.

Leeds have agreed a £700,000 fee for Luton captain Kevin Nicholls, who will now discuss personal terms at Elland Road and undergo a medical.

The 27-year-old midfielder has also been linked with Championship rivals Stoke, Crystal Palace and Norwich.

Leeds did have bids for Nicholls and Luton striker Steve Howard - who has since joined Derby - rejected by the Hatters earlier this month.

However, Nicholls could now become the Yorkshire side's third summer signing.

Boss Kevin Blackwell has also snapped up Millwall skipper David Livermore and Brighton winger Seb Carole.

Nicholls helped Luton to two promotions in four seasons - as they were promoted from Division Three to Division Two (now League One) in 2002, and won the League One title in 2005.



Leeds United have now registered their squad numbers with the Football League for the new season.

Summer signing Dave Livermore, a £250,000 buy from Millwall, will wear the number four shirt while fellow new recruit Seb Carole takes on the much-vaunted number 17 jersey.

There's been no other re-shuffling, although young defender Ben Parker will wear the number 30 shirt.

Squad numbers: 1 Neil Sullivan, 2 Gary Kelly, 3 Steve Crainey, 4 Dave Livermore, 6 Paul Butler, 8 Sean Gregan, 9 David Healy, 10 Rob Hulse, 11 Eddie Lewis,  13 Ian Bennett, 14 Steve Stone, 15 Frazer Richardson, 16 Gylfi Einarsson, 17 Seb Carole, 19 Eirik Bakke, 21 Shaun Derry, 22 Ian Moore, 23 Dan Harding, 24 Rui Marques, 25 Richard Cresswell, 26 Matthew Kilgallon, 27 Joel Griffiths, 28 Robbie Blake, 29 Ian Morris, 30 Ben Parker, 32 Jermaine Beckford, 36 Mark Wilberforce.