Anthony Elding’s decision to fight for his place at Leeds United rather than join Crewe has given manager Gary McAllister something of a headache.

Leeds and Crewe had settled a six-figure sum for the 26-year-old striker, and Elding had even agreed personal terms, but then changed his mind and decided to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place.

That leaves McAllister with a little less in his transfer kitty and an extra wage bill that he hadn’t been reckoning on.

The Leeds boss met with chairman Ken Bates and director of football Gwyn Williams yesterday to discuss their transfer targets.

The weren’t sharing their thoughts with the public but Bates said: “Gary is looking to change his squad and we are meeting to agree on what we are doing.”

McAllister is known to be keen to sign an experienced striker to replace Dougie Freedman, who was on loan from Crystal Palace last season, and is still looking to strengthen a number of other positions, including left back before the squad starts pre-season on 4 July.