Clubs chase Carlisle
Aug 5, 2005
Author: Iceman

Leeds United's centre back Clarke Carlisle is on the verge of becoming Watford's NINTH summer signing after the Hornets agreed a fee for the player. However, Watford will have to fight off interest from Stoke City if they are to land the tall defender.

Carlisle made 38 appearances for Leeds last season after joining from QPR, scoring 5 goals, two of which came against the Hornets. However, he has since fallen out of favour in Yorkshire, and will today decide between Watford and Stoke City as his next destination.

It is thought that Adrian Boothroyd's spell as First Team Coach at Leeds last season will help him land the player. If he does sign, he will likely fill the vacant number 5 spot at the back and play a key role in the coming season. He also fits in with Boothroyd's policy of signing young and athletic players in the aim of building a side that will be very successful in the coming seasons.

Boothroyd had earlier revealed that he was hopeful of signing another centre back before the season gets underway, and Carlisle's decision is expected to be made public later today.