What is this magical sounding "window of opportunity" ?
Chelsea approached. Leeds refused. END OF !!!!!!
There can be no "window of opportunity" unless they went through this "window" with the apporval of Leeds United AFC.....they didn't, therefore they must have made an illegal approach. It's not rocket science.
Mind you, what's worse? How many times do the so called 'Big' clubs make a legitimate approach for a player under contract. The club refuse. The approaching club manager (Ferguson etc) then splashes their interest all over the papers, unsettling the player, who then magically ends up signing for the approaching club. They get their way in the end, rightly or wrongly.
These young players are the future of Leeds United. If only for them to gain experience, help the club, and if promotion doesn't happen and they get itchy feet they can still put themselves in the shop window and attract a more substantial price for the club. Sneaking off like this, shooting in the foot the club that put early faith in them, does no one any good, least of all themselves.
What possible future can these kids have at Chelsea? If it's languishing in the Juniors and Reserves they're after without ever getting a chance...good luck to 'em. I don't see Chelsea exactly brimming with youthful English talent do you? What's up Chelsea, your own Youth Policy letting you down and not good enough?
Innocent Party ??.....don't make me laugh !!!