Leeds United could pay £600,000 more for defender Dan Harding than the quarter of a million they offered Brighton.

A Football League tribunal set the initial fee for the England under-21 international at £450,000 with another £50,000 due after each 20 appearances up to 60.

There will be another £150,000 due if Leeds gain promotion during Harding's first three-year contract and £100,000 if he wins a full England cap. In addition Brighton will receive 20 per cent of any future transfer fee if Leeds sell him.

The final figure falls well short of Brighton's asking price of £1.5million but will make a dent in Kevin Blackwell's transfer chest.

The Leeds boss said: "I'm just pleased it has been resolved and Dan can get on with playing for Leeds."

Blackwell also paid tribute to chairman Ken Bates for backing his team strengthening plans.

Bates became Leeds' fifth chairman in 22 months in January when he bought the club and succeeded Gerald Krasner. Since then he has reduced the club's debts by making economies while still providing funds to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.

Blackwell said: "This time last year I could never have dreamt of talking to players like Rob Hulse, Steve Stone, Robbie Blake and Dan Harding. We are further ahead than I thought we would be after so much turmoil, and the credit for that is down to the chairman."

Last night's friendly versus Boston was called off due to a waterlogged ground.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, July 29, 2005