LATEST GOSSIP: Norris and Varney chased by Leeds

Portsmouth duo David Norris and Luke Varney are being chased by Leeds United as Neil Warnock looks to take benefit of Pompey’s troubling financial situation, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leeds boss Warnock showed interest in the duo at the close of the Championship season, and whilst Leeds and Warnock are trying to put together a new fresh side with a large number of departures from Elland Road, the Championship outfit are looking to re-unite recent signing Jason Pearce with his former team mates – Norris and Varney.

We told you last week that Norris was being tracked by Sheffield Wednesday, but it appears Leeds are adding to this interest as pre-season edges closer for the new season, along with former club Ipswich Town who were keen on their former captain earlier in the month.

There hasn’t been a figure mentioned yet, and of course it is only rumours coming from Yorkshire at the moment, but having seen Jason Pearce and Joel Ward depart the club already, we’d expect at least £1m for the duo.

Varney, who joined for around £750,000 from Derby County last summer, made 33 appearances in all competitions for Pompey this season, scoring six times – including a double against Doncaster Rovers. Norris, who joined on a free transfer from Ipswich Town, made 42 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring eight goals – including the equaliser at St Mary’s!

Of course it would be sad to see both Varney and Norris leave, but Pompey fans knew months ago that we were going to have to see most, if not all, of our current squad depart in order to help the club’s financial difficulties.

With Aaron Mokoena days away from joining South African side Bidvest Wits, having agreed in principal to sign, Pompey are on their way to reducing the wage bill significantly. Early reports suggest that if Norris and Varney were to depart, it would reduce the wage bill by around £35,000, but the big trouble will just be to get Nwankwo Kanu and Tal Ben-Haim packing there bags. Any takers?

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