Patrick Kisnorbo's new contract was negotiated ahead of schedule to 'protect a valuable asset', according to Leeds manager Simon Grayson.
Grayson did not want to risk losing the Australian defender to a rival club before the start of the season - prompting the surprise announcement last week of a two-year deal. Kisnorbo has signed the contract, although the deal is subject to a fitness test as he is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in April.
"Paddy is a valuable asset and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't protect him," Grayson told the Yorkshire Post.
"There was always the risk that he had a storming pre-season and found other clubs trying to sign him. We had to cover our backs.
"He is looking fit and strong and it was always our intention - and his - to get a new contract signed and sealed as soon as possible.
"Doing it last weekend suited everyone concerned."
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