As Leeds continue their quest to kick-start their season, following an emphatic victory over Birmingham at the weekend, we take a look at the latest players that have been linked with Leeds...
Marius Zaliukas - Free Agent
The Lituanian central defender is without club at the moment after leaving Hearts in the summer. Zaliukas, 29 was once a target for Manchester United but has spent the last seven years in Scotland, but due to financial difficulties, the club could not offer an acceptable contract to the player and he was released in the summer. The centre back has been training with Leeds but a number of other Championship clubs are rumoured to be interested - particularly QPR.
The player joined the development squad for a game this week and if McDermott likes what he sees, we expect a contract to be offered within the next 24 hours.
Our Verdict: A solid player, but unproven in English football. Would be a good addition to give the squad some depth but not going to set the world on fire.
Dexter Blackstock - Nottingham Forest
The Nottingham Forest striker has long been rumoured to be a target of Leeds United, going back twelve months in fact when he was on the verge of signing. According to reports, the deal fell through at the last minute when Billy Davies replaced Sean O'Driscoll as Forest manager and decided to keep hold of the 27 year old. This season, the 6ft 1inch forward has struggled to find a place in the team and a loan or transfer is the players best move.
Blackstock signed a new contract with Forest at the start of the year, and with McDermott known to favour loan signings that can turn into permanent deals, the only sticking point would be agreeing a price to bring the player in permanently when the transfer window opens in January. The ex-England 21 player would be a good addition to the squad, and whilst he has not bee prolific to date, he has a consistent record. With the right combination of players, and the right guidance from the Gaffer, a move to Leeds could reignite his career.
Brighton are also rumoured to be interested but Leeds look favourites to get his signature.
Our Verdict: Blackstock could be just the player we need.
Will Keane - Manchester United
Earlier rumours that McDermott was looking at the manchester United striker have fallen away, and the news that Dexter Blackstock is likely to arrive at Elland Road would end speculation the youngster could join.
Keane has recovered from knee ligament damage and needs match fitness to push for a place in Manchester United's first team, so a loan option is viable, however McDermott favours permanent deals.
It is unlikely that Manchester United would be willing to sell, and not a price Leeds United could afford, so any deal is unlikely to go through. The player has shown all of the potential to develop into world class, and could boost the team in the short term, but with the performance at the weekend calming the situation at Leeds, and other loan targets in the offing, this deal looks unlikely to proceed.
Our Verdict: Short term gain but no long term claim
What do you think? Who should Leeds United target? Heard a rumour? Join our Unofficial Leeds United Messageboard >>
Marius Zaliukas - Free Agent
The Lituanian central defender is without club at the moment after leaving Hearts in the summer. Zaliukas, 29 was once a target for Manchester United but has spent the last seven years in Scotland, but due to financial difficulties, the club could not offer an acceptable contract to the player and he was released in the summer. The centre back has been training with Leeds but a number of other Championship clubs are rumoured to be interested - particularly QPR.
The player joined the development squad for a game this week and if McDermott likes what he sees, we expect a contract to be offered within the next 24 hours.
Our Verdict: A solid player, but unproven in English football. Would be a good addition to give the squad some depth but not going to set the world on fire.
Dexter Blackstock - Nottingham Forest
The Nottingham Forest striker has long been rumoured to be a target of Leeds United, going back twelve months in fact when he was on the verge of signing. According to reports, the deal fell through at the last minute when Billy Davies replaced Sean O'Driscoll as Forest manager and decided to keep hold of the 27 year old. This season, the 6ft 1inch forward has struggled to find a place in the team and a loan or transfer is the players best move.
Blackstock signed a new contract with Forest at the start of the year, and with McDermott known to favour loan signings that can turn into permanent deals, the only sticking point would be agreeing a price to bring the player in permanently when the transfer window opens in January. The ex-England 21 player would be a good addition to the squad, and whilst he has not bee prolific to date, he has a consistent record. With the right combination of players, and the right guidance from the Gaffer, a move to Leeds could reignite his career.
Brighton are also rumoured to be interested but Leeds look favourites to get his signature.
Our Verdict: Blackstock could be just the player we need.
Will Keane - Manchester United
Earlier rumours that McDermott was looking at the manchester United striker have fallen away, and the news that Dexter Blackstock is likely to arrive at Elland Road would end speculation the youngster could join.
Keane has recovered from knee ligament damage and needs match fitness to push for a place in Manchester United's first team, so a loan option is viable, however McDermott favours permanent deals.
It is unlikely that Manchester United would be willing to sell, and not a price Leeds United could afford, so any deal is unlikely to go through. The player has shown all of the potential to develop into world class, and could boost the team in the short term, but with the performance at the weekend calming the situation at Leeds, and other loan targets in the offing, this deal looks unlikely to proceed.
Our Verdict: Short term gain but no long term claim
What do you think? Who should Leeds United target? Heard a rumour? Join our Unofficial Leeds United Messageboard >>
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