SAMMY Lee has contemptuously dismissed speculation that Lubomir Michalik is a target for Leeds United, insisting he expects big things from the Slovakian - at the Reebok.

The Bolton boss described reports that Wanderers were already discussing a £1million deal with Elland Road officials as "a load of rubbish".

The astonishing claim that Leeds' controverial chairman Ken Bates is trying to buy the powerful centre-back arises from Michalik turning in a string of impressive performances during an seven-match loan spell as the Yorkshire club launched a spirited, but ultimately unsuccessful bid to avoid relegation from the Championship.

By that time, however, the 23-year-old Slovakian international, who joined Wanderers on a three-and-a-half year contract from FC Senec in January, had been recalled to the Reebok to play in the last four games of the season, impressing the fans and scoring in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea as the Whites secured a UEFA Cup place.

More astonishing still is the assumption that Leeds are prepared to pay up to £1m for a player in the same week that Bates bought the club back from the administrators, leaving many angry creditors seriously out of pocket.

But Lee has sent a clear message across the Pennines.

"The reason Lubomir went out on loan was to gain experience of football in this country," he said.

"He is part of my plans for the coming season."