Leeds are poised to complete the signing of Derby defender Paul Connolly on a three-year contract.

The 26-year-old right back started his career at Plymouth but moved to County two years ago on a free transfer when his contract ran out.

Connolly lost his regular first-team place at Pride Park last season and had a spell on loan at Sheffield United, who have also shown interest in signing him.

Leeds have denied offering former Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic the chance to sign for them before he joined the Blades this week.

Bogdanovic claimed Leeds tried to take him to Elland Road but a club statement read: “We can firmly deny that was the case.

“The club received a call about the player’s availability but he was never offered the chance to come to Leeds.”

United manager Simon Grayson, back from a short break, has been deluged with calls from agents offering him players for next season but says some of those offered have let him down and gone elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Billy Paynter cannot wait to start life as a Leeds player after his signing from Swindon and feels no pressure to fill Jermaine Beckford’s boots.

Paynter, who had a spell on loan at Bradford in 2007 and scored four goals against Leeds for Swindon last season, said: “If there was only myself coming into the club and Leeds had paid a lot of money for me, there would be big pressure.

“But I am sure the gaffer will be bringing in other players following the loss of Jermaine Beckford. He was a vital player for them.

“I feel I am developing as a player, though I have been around for a long time. At Leeds I will be learning even more and I can’t wait to get started.”