At long last Leeds United have captured Sol Bamba on a permanent transfer. The Ivorian signs a two-year deal after becoming something of a fans favourite when he arrived from Palermo on loan in January. However passing him on the way is Sporting Director Nicola Salerno, who probably won't be that missed by whites' followers.

After weeks of deliberation, Bamba has finally agreed to stay for another two-years. Bamba who turned 30 in January helped pull Leeds clear of the relegation zone. Erratic at times, the former Leicester City player does tend to have more decent games than bad ones and his compulsive surges up the park are pretty awesome at times. I still think he needs a more solid, regular partner at centre-back because for me Liam Cooper and Giuseppe Belusci aren't good enough.

Many, including myself were not convinced that Leeds would get the Bamba signing over the line. He was if course very outspoken at the chaos that descended upon Elland Road when Neil Redfearn's Assistant Coach Steve Thompson was removed by then Sporting Director Nicola Salerno, Bamba's views echoed the fans who in the majority were appalled at Thompson's treatment. That all looks to be in the past now, particularly as the man who made the decision to get rid of Thompson has left the club by mutual consent.

Salerno is believed to be lined-up for a similar role at Watford, who of course are also owned by Italians. On Sky Sports, Salerno confirmed he and Thompson had a "bad relationship" but wouldn't go into much detail.

Salerno signed 15 players for Leeds with varying degrees of success to put it politely, Mirco Antenucci with ten goals was probably the pick of the crop, Salerno however alleged that Neil Redfearn preferred goal-shy Steve Morison over the bearded-Antenucci which dispelled any rumours that Antenucci had been sidelined by order of the board for financial reasons.

However it has to be said that the majority of players recruited by Salerno will read like a "who's who" of "no-marks"; Edgar Cani, Zen Benedict (or whatever his name was), Grandidi Ngoyi and of course Adryan. Salerno also revealed Adryan will leave Elland Road and was not suited to the British 4-4-2 game.

Photo: Action Images

Leeds United Polls