Leeds players standing by their club

Leeds players today insisted they were "fully behind" the club and had made no final decision on whether to defer their wages…

Leeds players today insisted they were "fully behind" the club and had made no final decision on whether to defer their wages.

On Tuesday, some of the most highly-paid players refused to accept a pay deferral - initially 35 per cent and then 30 per cent - which would have raised enough money to ensure Leeds could trade until the end of the season.

But the players today issued a statement in which they claimed no final decision had been made regarding the deferral of wages, and that they were united behind acting chairman and chief executive Trevor Birch.

"We wish to make it clear that we are fully behind the club and are working with Trevor Birch and the Professional Footballers Association in the hope of solving the problems," read the statement.

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"Some of the reports we have read in the newspapers are wrong. We are together as a team and no decision has yet been made one way or the other on whether to defer a percentage of our wages.

"We have said that we will be prepared to support the club, should it be required.

Leeds also today insisted star striker Alan Smith would not be sold in a bid to ease their financial crisis.

However, loan players Zoumana Camara and Didier Domi have refused to sign papers releasing them from their contracts at the club.

Camara and Domi joined Leeds in the summer on season-long loan deals from Lens and Paris St Germain respectively, but were this morning informed they were now surplus to requirements at the debt-ridden club.

But both players have dug their heels in and are staying put as agent Willie Mackay confirmed: "They were asked to sign a paper releasing them from their contract, but they have refused to sign.

Brazilian World Cup winner Roque Junior looks set to leave the club later today though.

Roque Junior, on loan from AC Milan, is expected to have his short-term deal at Elland Road terminated, with a move to Germany or back to Italy on the cards.