The striker's proposed move to Gresty Road reached the point of collapse on Monday afternoon following an announcement that Crewe were "no longer in discussions" with Elding, and he looks increasingly likely to remain with Leeds for the start of pre-season training on July 4.

United allowed Elding to speak with Crewe after accepting a bid for the 26-year-old, but he has rejected their offer despite the Cheshire club stating that they were able to meet his wage demands.

A statement released from Gresty Road said Crewe had been "led to believe that he wishes to remain with Leeds and fight for his place", and though the club may be drawn into launching a second attempt to land the former Stockport striker, Elding is in no rush to walk away from Elland Road.

"I've had discussions with Crewe but it wasn't right for me," he said.
"Realistically, Leeds are the biggest club I'm ever going to play for, and I'm not going to give that up at the first opportunity or for the wrong reasons. I'd rather sit tight where I am.

"The easy option for me is to say that I'm not prepared to fight for my place, but I've got two years left on my contract at Leeds and they deserve more commitment than that.

"I'm happy to be here and my feeling is still the same as it was when Crewe first came in for me - I don't want to leave.

"It's been made pretty clear to me that I won't be involved next season but I've got to think long and hard before I let this opportunity go.
"If there's a chance of me winning the shirt back at Leeds then I'll go for it."

Crewe are the only club to have had an offer for Elding accepted by Leeds, but Hartlepool United and Leyton Orient are among the other clubs interested in the forward, and it remains likely that he will depart Elland Road this summer.

United manager Gary McAllister has been linked with several high-profile strikers already this summer – including Kevin Phillips, Derek Riordan and Andy Cole – and the future of Dougie Freedman is still unclear following his loan spell with Leeds last season.

Freedman is set to discuss his situation with parent club Crystal Palace later this month, and it is not clear whether he would consider returning to Elland Road on a long-term basis following his successful two-month stint in Yorkshire during the final stages of the 2007-08 term.

But McAllister is expected to make at least two additions to his strikeforce this summer, and Elding's slim prospects may force him to accept a transfer elsewhere before the start of the new season.

Elding, who has started a total of four league matches since leaving Stockport County for Leeds in January, said: "I still believe that if I play the way I know I can then I'll do a good job for Leeds.

"But I don't have much control over that and I can't say for certain that I'll be at Leeds at the start of next season.

"If there's no way of you fighting your way back into in the team then you have to face facts."

Meanwhile, United's League One clash at Peterborough United on Saturday, October 4 has been brought forward to a noon kick-off on police advice.

Ends