LEEDS United have moved to the head of the queue in the race to sign Wanderers' wantaway midfield star Alan Thompson.

The Yorkshire club have tabled a £3.5 million bid for the Geordie ace - the opening shot in what could develop into an auction involving a host of Premiership clubs.

Elland Road chiefs have publicly confirmed their interest but insist they will not match Wanderers' £5 million asking price.

Chairman Peter Risdale said today: "We would love Alan Thompson to be a Leeds United player for next season but we are not prepared to pay £5 million. Discussions are ongoing."

Risdale was reported to be meeting Thompson's agent, Paul Stretford, this morning but Wanderers say no club has yet been given permission to speak to the player.

The 24-year-old former England U-21 international has become a player in big demand since he signalled his intention last week to invoke the clause in his contract allowing him to move on if Wanderers were relegated.

Everton have publicly declared their interest, Aston Villa boss John Gregory is known to have Thompson on his wanted list, Leicester City want him and Arsenal and Spurs have been alerted by his availability.

But Leeds appear to be favourites, being able to offer the carrot of European football and leaving him free to continue living in his family home in Bolton.

He says he would prefer his future resolving sooner rather than later but admits: "That's really in the hands of Bolton - the manager and the board - and any other clubs who are interested."

Thompson's decision to quit Wanderers after five seasons has been driven by ambition. "I want to play in the Premiership like everyone else," he explained.

"I've sampled it twice and I want to stay there. I gave it my best shot last season and, if we'd stayed up, there's no way I'd be moving.

"Being relegated was a horrible feeling. It never leaves you. I saw a clip of the Chelsea game on TV last night and it brought it all back again.

"The club has done a lot for me but I still have a lot of personal ambition I want to satisfy and that means playing in the Premiership."

Of the reported interest from Leeds, Thompson said: "It would be nice to think that they have come in for me again because I believe they made an approach last year. It shows that George Graham must think something of me.

"I'd prefer to stay in the north because we (the family) couldn't be happier living here in Bolton. But I haven't spoken to any managers."

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