Alan Smith could be returning to Leeds United – if he is fit enough and he is willing to take a big cut in wages.

The former Leeds United favourite has been told he can leave Newcastle United, sparking speculation that he might make an emotional return to the club where he became something of a folk hero for his passion and dedication even as the club was slipping out of the top flight.

Smith’s image was somewhat tarnished in many fans’ eyes when he then joined arch rivals Manchester United but director Peter Lorimer has since explained that the Rothwell-born midfielder was pushed into that move by Leeds because they wanted the cash, and there is little doubt that most fans would welcome him back.

The decision lies with manager Simon Grayson, who must weigh up what Smith would bring to the squad and also how fit he is after struggling for a number of years with a series of injuries.

But chairman Ken Bates has signalled he would be willing to sign Smith if the circumstances were right.

“First of all it depends on whether the manager wants him or not, which is his decision and not mine,” Bates said.

“Alan Smith returning to Elland Road would be a very popular move, but we have to be careful because unfortunately over the last few seasons Alan’s had a pretty poor injury record, and one thing we can’t afford to do is sign somebody who is not fit to play.

“The other thing of course is his wages. He’s been at Manchester United and Newcastle, so his wages are probably in the stratosphere, 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, which may not suit him or his agent.

“I can confirm we’re certainly continuing our quest for the right players, and if he was fit of course Alan would be a great addition to the squad, but that would need further consideration and investigation by Simon.”

It looks as though striker Mike Grella is set to move back to the USA after Leeds gave him permission to train with New York Cosmos.

Grella, who joined Leeds in 2008, has been told he can leave, and even though there is some interest in England, he preferred to go back to the States.