EDDIE LEWIS has been granted a work permit, enabling the American winger to complete his free transfer to Leeds United from Championship rivals Preston.

Lewis, 31, had already agreed a two-year contract with a further one year option.

United were last night puzzled by reports that Fulham midfielder Lee Clark had agreed to join them. Manager Kevin Blackwell and Chief Executive Officer Shaun Harvey said it was news to them and both men are treating the stories as "newspaper speculation".

However, ex-Leicester, Newcastle and Manchester United winger Keith Gillespie is training at Thorp Arch in the hope of landing a contract.

Blackwell has already signed wingers Lewis and 33-year-old Steve Stone, defender Dan Harding and goalkeeper Ian Bennett, as well as making Rob Hulse's move from West Brom permanent.

He is also keen to sign another central defender and a striker in a determined push for promotion.

Blackwell has told his players to forget last season when they finished 14th in the Championship after being among the favourites for relegation.

He said: "We have decided we are not going to talk about last season.

"We must look to the present and the future. The whole place feels so much more settled - what a difference a year makes.

"I've been able to talk to good players about coming to Leeds and we are quietly confident that we have a decent squad.

"We are in a lot better shape, there is an air of normality about the club and that is good to see after the last few years of turmoil.

"Training has gone well this week. There's been a lot of banter around the place and it's good that we'll be going into the new season with players who know each other and are comfortable with their surroundings."

Hulse is relishing the service he expects to receive from Lewis and Stone, next season, saying: "It's exciting that quality players have been brought in to improve the squad. We should be a very difficult side to beat and can really push for promotion."

Hulse, who turned his loan from West Brom into a permanent transfer in May, scored six goals in 13 appearances last season and hopes to be even more productive next time.

"Injuries have restricted my pre-season training in the past and I hope to get through with no problems this time. I am feeling good at the moment and, touch wood, things will keep going fine," he said.

"I am especially looking forward to the friendly at Celtic on July 24. All my family and friends have been ringing up to say what a great match that will be."

Updated: 12:03 Saturday, July 02, 2005