LIVERPOOL'S Dominic Matteo is the latest defender to be linked with a move to Leeds United, but Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale today denied making a bid for the 26-year-old.

Leeds are said to be ready to complete a £4million deal for Matteo who is wanted as a central defender after playing most of last season at left back.

Ridsdale said: "I know nothing about this. Presumably it has come out of Liverpool, but I have made no bid for Matteo."

Should David O'Leary's men reach the group stage of the Champions League by knocking out TSV 1860 Munich a week on Wednesday, they have until midnight on August 31 to sign reinforcements for the competition.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer, Michael Duberry and Tony Hackworth were due to appear before magistrates today after being charged with offences in connection with an attack on an Asian student in Leeds last January. If the case goes to Crown Court it is not expected to be heard until the end of the season.

Hackworth netted the only goal as Harrogate Town put up a battling display against a United XI in a friendly at Wetherby Road in front of 2,219 fans.

Leeds, who included Eirik Bakke, Darren Huckerby, Danny Mills and Robert Molenaar in their line-up dominated but missed several good chances.

Huckerby in particular was a threat to Town withy his pace and he opened up the home defence in the 26th minute to square the ball for Tony Hackworth to score from 12 yards.

Kevin Dixon, who started last season on loan at York City, was outstanding in United's midfield but Leeds will be disappointed not to have scored more goals.

Dixon and Hackworth both hit the post and Huckerby had an effort cleared off the line by Chris Hudson.