Leeds chairman Ken Bates has warned Seth Johnson he will rot in the reserves next season if he does not leave the club this summer.
Bates feels the 26-year-old's £35,000 per week wages are a huge drain on the club's resources.
"He can play for Leeds next season - as captain of the reserves," Bates said.
"And if he's injured for a reserve fixture he will be made to turn up and sit in the stand offering moral support and being a second-team talisman."
Johnson has made just 59 appearances for Leeds since joining for £7m from Derby in 2001.
Bates added: "He's cost us £230,000 a game. Both himself and Derby must have been laughing their socks off at that deal.
"It's not good enough. What sort of value is that for this club and its fans?
"For the supporters it's been now you see him, now you don't - one of the truly great disappearing acts."
