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Legendary Leeds United defender Norman Hunter has died aged 76 after losing his battle with coronavirus.

Hunter, who made more than 700 appearances for Leeds over 13 seasons, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and was in NHS care.

The club broke the new in a statement which read: "Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club icon Norman Hunter at the age of 76.

"Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning.

"Born on Friday 29th October 1943 in Eighton Banks, County Durham, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter.

"Playing for Birtley Juniors, he was scouted by Leeds and following a trial game was offered a place on the club’s ground staff.

"Making his Leeds debut against Swansea Town at the age of 18 on Saturday 8th September 1962, he helped Don Revie’s side to a 2-0 victory and would go on to become one of the greatest centre-backs the game has ever seen.

"Hunter amassed a huge 726 appearances for Leeds United over a 14 year period, the club’s most successful to date, earning the infamous nickname 'Bites Yer Legs'.

"Helping Leeds rise from the Second Division, Hunter was at the heart of the defence as the club became champions of England twice and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners twice, along with successes in the 1968 League Cup, 1969 Charity Shield and 1972 FA Cup.

"He won a total of 28 caps for England and was in the 1966 World Cup winning squad, whilst was also the first winner of the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1974.

"Hunter left Leeds to join Bristol City in 1976, prior to a spell at Barnsley, who he later went on to manage along with Rotherham United.

"Norman remained part of the furniture at Elland Road throughout the years, being a regular speaker in the suite named in his honour, and was in attendance as recently as last month’s victory over Huddersfield Town.

"He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family, his legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman’s family and friends at this very difficult time."

(Image: GETTY)

Tributes are pouring in following the spread of the sad news.

Arsenal fan and TV presenter Piers Morgan took to Twitter to say: “One of the hardest men to ever play football, earning himself the nickname ‘Bites Yer Legs’.

“Also one of the best defenders to grace the game, & was part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad. Very sad news.”

Ex-Leeds manager Peter Reid posted: “RIP Norman Hunter, a giant of a man.”

(Image: GETTY)

Former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder Micky Hazard wrote: “My thoughts and prayers go out to His family and friends on this sad day. Attackers in heaven are shaking in their boots now. RIP NORMAN XXX”.

Noel Whelan, who used to play up front at Elland Road for Leeds, posted: “Completely saddened by the news that our Norman Hunter has passed away , a beautiful player and a wonderfully kind man.

“The football world has lost a true legend and he will be missed by all the Leeds United community, we thank you for the memories everything u did for Leeds RIP”.

Hunter, who was part of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad, spent 17 years of his career at Leeds, having become a fan favourite after rising up through the youth ranks.

Hunter had been crowned Leeds' Player of the Year in 1971 and enjoyed his best playing days while in a white shirt.

The defender also managed 28 appearances for England between 1965 and 1974.