Confirmed: 31-year-old leaves PL for Championship club after reported Leeds approach
By Harvey Byrne
Birmingham confirmed the signing of goalkeeper David Stockdale from newly promoted Premier League club Brighton on Tuesday evening.
The goalkeeper had been heavily linked with a move to Leeds, which is his place of birth and the Yorkshire Evening Post even reported on Tuesday that the Whites had made an approach to sign the 31-year-old.
However, at 6.00pm on June 13 second tier rivals Birmingham confirmed Stockdale was manager Harry Redknapp’s first summer signing via their official Twitter account.
It is detailed in the Yorkshire Evening Post report that despite Leeds making initial contact with Stockdale’s representatives they did not follow up their interest with a firm offer to Brighton.
The experienced shot-stopper was a key part of the Brighton team that won promotion to the Premier League with a runners-up finish in the last campaign.
He played 45 of the Seagulls’ 46 league fixtures, conceding just 40 times, while also keeping a very impressive 20 clean sheets.
Leeds, meanwhile already boast veteran Robert Green between the sticks, who despite making some errors was impressive overall.
The Yorkshire giants also extended his contract at the club in March and they are now likely to keep their faith in the 37-year-old.
In other Leeds transfer news, the Whites are among a number of clubs eyeing this Manchester United player.
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