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Central defender Matt Mills is pretty out of favor at the Reebok Stadium right now both for the fans and the manager. While David Wheater and Zat Knight rightly or wrongly have the two starting spots locked down, Tim Ream looks to be Dougie Freedman's third choice with Mills out of sight. The American being used heavily in pre-season action, in the reserves, and going the full 90 minutes in Bolton's League Cup match against Shrewsbury Town.
As a result of all of that, the Matt Mills transfer saga has continued on from its resting point earlier in the summer. When we last left it, Leeds United were interested in signing the Bolton defender but looked to be priced out of the move. Leeds' current manager, Brian McDermott, was Mills' boss back in the pair's Reading days.
A new report from Sky Sports has suggested that Wanderers have opened talks with Leeds United over a swap deal for Matt Mills that would see Lee Peltier move in the other direction. The right back signed for Leeds United in August 2012 when they were managed by Neil Warnock. He has made 51 appearances for them since, including three appearances this season, playing every minute thus far. Leeds have five points from their first three games, allowing just two goals in the process.
However, one of Leeds' recent signings could throw a wrench into the deal. Just two days ago, McDermott's team completed a deal for young (former) Manchester United center back, Scott Wootton. The 21-year-old has had stints across the Championship in recent years, playing for Peterborough United (twice) and Nottingham Forest. Wootton has some experience at the level but is by no definition of the word a veteran.
Whether the move happens remains to be seen but what is clear is that Dougie Freedman is still looking to bring a few men into the team, saying in his pre-Queens Park Rangers press conference that Bolton will be in for them when they become available.
UPDATE: After this was written, Leeds United held their pre-match press conference with manager Brian McDermott dismissing the possibility of any such deal. Looks like that's that.
Brian McDermott also dismissed suggestions of a swap deal involving Lee Peltier and Matt Mills #lufc
— LUFC Official (@LUFC) August 22, 2013