Championship rivals Leeds United have won the race to snap-up Jermaine Wright.

The Ipswich Town midfielder turned down a two-year deal offered by the Portman Road club last week, but yesterday signed a three-year contract with the cash-strapped Yorkshire outfit.

The 28-year-old had been attracting interest from Premiership clubs Everton, Portsmouth and Charlton.

However, the former Crewe Alexandra man has opted to join Kevin Blackwell's Elland Road side.

Town boss Joe Royle said: "Everton and Leeds both spoke to Jamma, but I don't think Everton took it much further so I'm not surprised he has joined Leeds."

Leeds are currently rebuilding their squad after they were relegated from the top flight last season.

And Greenwich-born Wright becomes Blackwell's second signing in a week after the arrival of former England under-21 striker Michael Ricketts from Middlesbrough.

Published Wednesday June 30, 2004

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