BLACKBURN Rovers defender Michael Gray could be left in limbo this summer after his proposed move to Leeds United looks in danger of collapsing.

The former England international appeared set for a permanent switch to Elland Road after impressing during a loan spell with the Championship club, but sources in Leeds last night claimed that now looks 'highly unlikely'.

Gray, who hasn't appeared in the Rovers first team since the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea last October, played a total of 10 games for United during a loan spell in the second half of last season and appeared to have done well.

But any hopes of that arrangement becoming permanent now look to be fading because manager Kevin Blackwell cannot afford the 30-year-old's wages, even if he was to take a sizeable pay-cut.

With United still recovering from the blow of being relegated from the Premiership, Blackwell is under pressure to keep a cap on his wage bill and the feeling is there are other areas of the team that require more urgent attention.

One of those is the centre of defence and the Leeds boss has made a firm inquiry about Gray's former Blackburn team-mate, Craig Short, who was recently released by Mark Hughes.

Short has already spoken to a number of clubs, including Leeds, Sheffield United, Derby and Perth Glory, who are managed by former Blackpool boss Steve McMahon.

He is set to make a decision on his future when he goes on holiday next week.

In the meantime, Gray faces the prospect of reporting back for pre-season training at Rovers, where his hopes of regaining a regular first team place look slim.

The former Sunderland captain only started five games under Rovers boss Mark Hughes before he was axed and subsequently sent out on loan.