BBC SPORT | Football | Teams (original) (raw)

Defender Michael Duberry will leave Leeds over the summer as part of a cost-cutting exercise at the Yorkshire club.

Blackburn, Bolton and Everton are all interested in signing the powerful central defender, who joined Leeds from Chelsea for �4.5m in July 1999.

The 26-year-old is said to favour a move to Blackburn, who as Worthington Cup holders are able to offer Duberry European football next season.

Leeds want between �3m and �3.5m for Duberry, whose time at Elland Road has soured following the court case involving Jonathan Woodgate.

Duberry and Woodgate fell out after Duberry admitted in court he had lied to police to protect Woodgate after he was accused of assaulting a Leeds student.

The two played together during Leeds' FA Cup defeat against Cardiff after Rio Ferdinand sustained an injury.

But Duberry - who only signed a new five-year contract last in December 2001 - is certain to leave the club before the start of next season.