Former Leeds United defender Lucas Radebe has revealed that club scout Jeff Slate played a key role in his move to the club in 1994.

Radebe spent more than a decade with the Whites, making more than 200 appearances before his retirement in 2005.

The central defender was a key man for Leeds during the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping them compete in the top half of the Premier League and make some impressive progress in Europe during that time.

Radebe joined the club from South African side Kaiser Chiefs in 1994, a move that also saw Phil Masinga join the Whites from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Speaking to the club website, the 51-year-old discussed his move to the club and revealed that Slate played a key role in it.

He said: "I was playing for the Kaizer Chiefs and I remember Jeff Slate (Leeds United scout) came to watch a couple of times. He was actually looking at Philemon and we were playing for the international team in Australia but I was injured.

"He had a glimpse at Phil and obviously someone must have whispered in his ear about me, so I came to babysit Phil and make him comfortable at the club. I really respect Howard (Wilkinson) for taking that chance on signing me for the club in the Premier League, which was brilliant.

"When I came over, there were obviously a few challenges in terms of the environment, weather conditions etc, but the rest is history. 12 years playing at the club, living and playing in Leeds, which absolutely was an achievement for me, and all the great memories, just being part of the family was amazing."

Once with Leeds, Radebe became a one-club man and rejected multiple offers from elsewhere during his time at Elland Road.

In a recent interview, the former South Africa international revealed that he turned down offers from Manchester United, Lazio, and Roma to remain with Leeds.

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The Verdict

Radebe's move from South Africa was an unusual one as it appears he was signed as something of an afterthought alongside Masinga but developed into a club hero.

The part Slate played in the move should not be forgotten either and it just shows you the impact that having good and trusted scouts can have.

With Ben White's future unclear, you feel Leeds would love one of their scouts to bring in another centre-back like Radebe this summer.