ALAN Smith remains reluctant to leave Newcastle United despite the club making him available for transfer days after the season ended.

After being told his name would be circulated to rival clubs, Smith has already attracted interest from former team Leeds United – as well as lucrative offers from the Middle East and Major League Soccer clubs in America.

But Smith, currently on holiday in the States, will take his time before deciding his next career move. He currently has one year left on his contract and has indicated to friends he is prepared to fight to get his place back if no viable offer comes in for him.

“Alan has obviously been made aware that he is available for transfer by the club,” his agent Alex Black told The Journal last night.

“But Alan will only go somewhere if it is something that he wants to do. If there is nothing that appeals to him, he will be coming back to pre-season at Newcastle United.

“He will remain professional as ever and will work hard for Newcastle United, as he always has.”

Leeds chairman Ken Bates confirmed the Elland Road club would be interested in taking Smith back to Yorkshire but warned the veteran midfielder he would “have to knock a nought” off his wages to make the move happen.

With Smith preferring to stay in the Premier League, that is highly unlikely – although Black said he is not ruling anything out.