Simon Grayson is hoping Luciano Becchio, Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny will reach agreement to stay at Leeds United before the transfer window opens in January.

The contracts of all three are due to expire in the summer and talks are on-going with the agents of Becchio and Kilkenny.

Davide Somma agreed a new deal last month, and Grayson wants Becchio, Johnson and Kilkenny to follow suit.

Johnson was transfer-listed after the club announced they had made him their final offer but Becchio and Kilkenny have yet to reach that stage in their negotiations.

Chairman Ken Bates revealed in his programme notes at the weekend that Hull City were keen to take Johnson in a player-exchange deal but according to Bates, Grayson “doesn’t fancy any of their over-paid players”.

Grayson has warned that any agreement for the trio must be within the club’s budget, but he is encouraged that all three are keen to stay.

The manager said: “Players should take a long-term view when they are considering their future. It would be nice to know where we stand before the transfer window opens.

“We turned down good money for Jermaine Beckford last year and he went on to score some vital goals which helped us to promotion before he joined Everton on a Bosman free-transfer. If the three out-of-contract players decide to stay and help us do well this season, then fair enough.”

United have strongly denied a story in the South African Times that Somma has joined Swansea City on loan.

Meanwhile, United’s youngsters are due to play Scunthorpe in the FA Youth Cup third round at Elland Road tonight (7.00).