Leeds chase Crues skipper Coates

Colin Coates was a starter against Italy in the Pisa friendly

Leeds United are interested in bringing Crusaders captain Colin Coates to Elland Road.

The 23-year-old defender made his Northern Ireland debut in the friendly defeat by Italy in Pisa last month.

"Leeds phoned me while I was on holiday and said they would contact me when I returned, but that has not happened yet," said Crues boss Stephen Baxter.

"It was only an initial inquiry and it is just a matter of whether Leeds come back to me."

Baxter added: "Colin is a very special player and has a huge chance of doing well for himself.

"While we would like him to stay we realise he wants to play professional football and if the offer is right we'll make it happen for him."