Ridsdale in Bowyer concession

Ridsdale has given Bowyer and Woodgate final warnings

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has told the BBC he would turn down signing Lee Bowyer if the midfielder was at another club.

Ridsdale told BBC Radio Five Live that if the player was not already at the Elland Road club he would not sanction his purchase by manager David O'Leary.

"It is one (a question) I was asked by our manager this week and no I would not," said Ridsdale.

"Knowing what I know now I would not sign him."

Lee and Jonathan Woodgate have been given final warnings

Peter Ridsdale

Ridsdale was, however, keen to stress that Bowyer had been found not guilty of all charges after an attack on student Sarfraz Najeib.

Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate were fined by the club for breaching its code of conduct and Bowyer was put on the transfer list after initially refusing to accept the punishment.

Both players were included in the Leeds squad who lost 4-3 to Newcastle on Saturday. Bowyer scored Leeds' goal to level the match at 1-1, but Woodgate remained on the bench.

The Leeds chairman added that Michael Duberry had done nothing wrong by giving evidence in court.

"Michael Duberry did exactly the right thing," said Ridsdale.

"That's why the club are looking after him. Michael and Lee Bowyer have a long-term future at the club."

Do I want him (Bowyer) to stay and sign a new contract? Yes.

David O'Leary

Ridsdale warned that Bowyer and Woodgate were now on a behaviour bond at the Yorkshire club.

"Lee and Jonathan Woodgate have been given final warnings," he said.

Despite his chairman's reservations, O'Leary wants Bowyer to sign a new contract.

O'Leary told the Sunday People: "Do I want him to stay and sign a new contract? Yes.

"And if there is anything about him, he will."