Kisnorbo, 30, had returned to Leeds training a fortnight ago after missing all but the final 10 minutes of Leeds' 2010-11 campaign due to an Achilles injury.

The Australian defender was using pre-season to try to convince Leeds to offer him at new contract after his previous deal expired but it had been expected to take some weeks to prove he was completely over the injury.

However Leeds surprisingly wasted no time in signing him on a new two-year deal early last week.

Grayson told The Yorkshire Post they had to get a deal done due to rival interest, with Crystal Palace one club linked with Leeds' 2009-10 Player of the Year.

"Paddy is a valuable asset and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't protect him," Grayson said.

"There was always the risk that he had a storming pre-season and found other clubs trying to sign him. We had to cover our backs.

"He is looking fit and strong and it was always our intention - and his - to get a new contract signed and sealed as soon as possible. Doing it last weekend suited everyone concerned."

The new Championship season begins in a little over two weeks with Leeds travelling to newly-promoted Southampton on the opening weekend.