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LEEDS UNITED owner Ken Bates has refused to rule out an emotional Elland Road return for Alan Smith.
The former Whites hero controversially left the Yorkshire side to join bitter rivals Manchester United in 2004.
With a year left on his Newcastle contract, he was this week told he can leave St James' Park.
That sparked speculation he could return to the club where he started his career.
But Bates believes any move would be difficult with Smith's current wages far above Leeds' budget.
United boss Simon Grayson has also yet to reveal whether he would be interested in signing the midfielder.
Bates said: "First of all, it depends on whether the manager wants him or not which is his decision, not mine.
"Having said that, I know that Alan returning to Elland Road would be a very popular move.
"But we have to be careful because in the last few seasons, Alan has had a poor injury record.
"One thing we can't afford to do is sign somebody who then turns out to be unfit to play.
"We have at least eight more matches to play in the Championship than they do in the Premier League.
"The other thing of course is Alan's wages.
"He has been at Manchester United and Newcastle so his wages are probably in the stratosphere.
"They will be well over the seven-figure region so I suspect if he did join us he would have to knock a nought off it and probably half it.
"But that's unlikely to suit him or his agent. On the other hand, nothing is certain and nothing is uncertain.
"I can confirm we are certainly continuing our quest for the right players and if he is fit Alan would certainly be a good addition to our squad.
"But that would need further investigation and consideration by Simon."
Leeds last week rejected a £3.5million bid from Premier League new boys Norwich for winger Robert Snodgrass.
Bates added: "They have been told to put it where the sun don't shine."
Read more:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3625973/Ken-Bates-reveals-Le...
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