Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has said that location is the reason why Leeds United are unable to attract the best players to the club.

The Whites were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 as a result of mismanagement. Financial constraints on top of that saw the club drop down to League One.

Thirteen years away from England’s top flight has led many to question whether a side who were once prominent in the Champions League, can ever reach those heights again.

However, Neville thinks that the Yorkshire club aren’tÂ geographically appealing and as a result Leeds cannot compete with the bright lights and lifestyle options that are on offer in the SouthÂ of England.

“You think of Newcastle and Leeds, who are really big, big clubs and I think it would strengthen the league to have these clubs pushing towards the top again,â€ said Neville, as quoted by theâ€¯Newcastle Chronicle.

â€œIt is a problem getting players out of London â€“ it is a big attraction.

â€œThere are clubs now, even in the South Coast, that become a little bit more attractive in terms of lifestyle, rather than the north of England.â€

Matches between Neville’s United and Leeds were at one time one of the most anticipated in football but after multiple relegations,Â the rivalry between the two sides has waned.

Neville’s latest comments may reignite that.

Under the guidance of manager Thomas Christiansen, the Yorkshire clubÂ had seen their best to a season in eight years â€“ a start which saw Leeds briefly top the Championship table.

Despite their early success, a poor run of results has meant that the Whites have lost six of their last seven fixtures, dropping to 10thÂ in the table in the process.

After Saturday’s defeat against Brentford, Leeds may need to strengthen their squad andÂ in January, aÂ chanceÂ forÂ Neville’sÂ commentsÂ toÂ be tested.