Becchio sad to leave but Warnock and Habibou join Morison at Leeds United (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Luciano Becchio sad to leave but Stephen Warnock and Habibou join Steve Morison at Leeds United

11:51pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Sports Desk

Luciano Becchio cannot wait to test himself in the Premier League with Norwich City but expressed disappointment at leaving Leeds United.

The Argentinian forward, who scored 19 goals for Leeds this season, joined the Canaries today in a swap deal for Wales international Steve Morison, with a further undisclosed sum to be paid by the Norfolk club.

And on a busy transfer deadline day for Leeds, Stephen Warnock signed a two-and-a-half year deal and striker Mouhamadou Habib Habibou joined on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

Former England full back Warnock – who also had a loan spell at the Bantams – had been a target of West Ham after falling out of favour at Aston Villa.

“He is a former international who, for whatever reason, has been allowed to leave Aston Villa,” boss Neil Warnock said.
“He is a player I have tried to sign a few times before and I’m pleased he turned down West Ham to come here.”

Becchio agreed a three-and-a-half year contract, having handed in a transfer request at Elland Road last week when talks over a new deal faltered.

“I had very good memories of Leeds, so it is a little bit sad to leave, but that is football,” said Becchio, who will join former Leeds team-mates Jonny Howson, Robert Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson at Carrow Road.

Wales striker Morison, meanwhile, will look to kick-start his career with Leeds after falling down the pecking order at Norwich following his £2.8 million move from Millwall in the summer of 2011.

Morison, who has made 27 appearances this season, scored 40 goals in 95 appearances for Millwall before his move to Carrow Road.

He has signed on a three-and-a-half year contract with Leeds and Neil Warnock is delighted with the signing. He said: “Even before Luciano put in his transfer request we had enquired about Steve – he was at the top of my list in January to bring in – and I can’t tell you how delighted I am.

“Steve meets all the requirements of the striker we’ve been looking to bring in. For me, he is a player who has everything. He can score goals from anywhere – whether it’s 25 yards or a tap-in – he has pace, and he has all the attributes you want.”

Habibou’s move from Belgian side SV Zulte is with a view to a permanent deal.