Matt Smith has revealed that he was surprised to learn that Leeds United were willing to offload his services.
The 25-year-old was sold on transfer deadline day to fellow Championship outfit Fulham, despite the fact that only three days earlier he had extended his contract at Elland Road.
"Obviously, after signing the new contract, I would have to say it has been a bit of a surprise, to be honest with you. Going into the signing, I was under the premise that I was a massive part of the plans going forward and I was very humbled and excited at the prospect," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"Then for whatever reason, I don't still to this day quite understand, I heard I was on a shortlist of players that were looking to be offloaded. I was enjoying my time there. I was obviously aware of interest from other clubs at the time, but the club had made it very clear that one, they were not going to sell me and two, that I was a massive part of their plans. So the contract came at a good time.
"You can imagine my shock that 72 hours later, I am told I am a shortlist of players that they would be looking to move on, if at all possible."
Leeds are believed to have received around £750,000 for the centre-forward.
Liam Apicella
