The shin injury suffered by Jonny Howson in the defeat at Swansea City means United are down to their last fit centre midfield pairing of Alan Thompson and Radostin Kishishev for today's visit of Oldham Athletic to Elland Road.

And with club captain Thompson due to miss Saturday's League One meeting with Northampton Town through suspension, Wise was keen to recall a player whose two-month loan deal at Selhurst Park runs until January 19.

The Yorkshire Post understands heated telephone conversations took place yesterday between the United manager, Derry and Selhurst Park manager Neil Warnock.

The upshot, however, was Palace standing firm in their refusal to release a player who in nine appearances has helped the Championship club to seven wins and two draws.

Neither club would comment last night, but it seems that an already fractured relationship between Wise and Derry is at breaking point.

It is certain to make the United manager, who after losing Republic of Ireland international Jonathan Douuglas to a knee injury last month had already stated his intention to make four new signings, even keener to strengthen now that the January transfer window is open with Finnish winger Sebastian Sorsa set to arrive on a free transfer.

Leeds are also believed to have enquired after Walsall left-back Dan Fox, while Barnet attacker Jason Puncheon is another understood to be on the club's radar after scoring 10 goals this season. It is not just at Elland Road where January has long been seen as a pivotal month and a host of Yorkshire managers have been counting down the days to today for several weeks.

Bryan Robson was the first from the White Rose county to make his move with the loan deal that brought Bolton's Gary Speed to Sheffield United having been agreed last week.

The former Leeds United and Newcastle United midfielder will make his debut at Wolverhampton and Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe made it clear yesterday that his under-fire manager will be backed during the window.

He said: "The club and the soccer management team recognise that, after recent results, changes in the playing staff are required.

"The addition of Gary Speed, who brings a wealth of experience, is a start and we will continue to address these issues. I have spoken to Bryan and he knows what is required."

Robson has been in negotiations with Manchester United over extending Phil Bardsley's stay at Bramall Lane until the end of the season and is waiting on the player's agent, while he is also hoping to persuade Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill to loan Gary Cahill out for a second time.

Across the Steel City, Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws will find out at a board meeting tomorrow whether it is possible to strengthen his squad amid the current uncertainty surrounding Hillsborough.

Elsewhere, Barnsley manager Simon Davey is hoping Derby manager Paul Jewell will allow striker Jon Macken and central defender Lewin Nyatanga, whose loan spells end after today's game at Scunthorpe, to return.

And Doncaster Rovers are being tipped to sign Birmingham City's Neil Kilkenny when his successful loan spell at Oldham ends after today's trip to Elland Road.

Bradford City have signed Lee Bullock to strengthen their midfield, on a month's loan from Hartlepool United. Kyle Nix has also signed until the end of the season as Stuart McCall continues his rebuilding.