IPSWICH midfield star Jermaine Wright is wanted by Leeds.New Elland Road boss Kevin Blackwell has pencilled in Wright's name as he looks to rebuild the side relegated from the Premiership last season.

IPSWICH midfield star Jermaine Wright is wanted by Leeds.

New Elland Road boss Kevin Blackwell has pencilled in Wright's name as he looks to rebuild the side relegated from the Premiership last season.

But the Yorkshire giants' precarious finances probably hold the key as to whether Blackwell can convince the out-of-contract Town ace to move north.

A Leeds source said: "The manager has never really concealed his admiration for Wright and he is definitely keen to land him.

"But the club simply cannot afford the big wages that lured people here in the past. Apart from selling the big earners, future salaries will have to be far more realistic.

Options

"Having said that, with Wright being available on a Bosman free transfer, he is just the type of player Leeds are keen to bring in."

Wright has also been linked with Southampton and his agent, Jonathan Barnett, recently confirmed to the Star that a number of clubs were keen on his client.

Ipswich boss Joe Royle has also admitted that it will be hard to hold on to the 28-year-old midfielder who cost £500,000 from Crewe in 1999.

Wright has been offered a new two-year deal at Portman Road, but is being asked to take a significant drop in wages.

He will be weighing up his options over the remainder of this month, with his Town due to expire on June 30.