Ambitious Championship clubs chase recruits before today's window closes

Many of the county’s clubs are striving to get deals done, with Hull City closing in on capturing Manchester United’s Nick Powell on loan while Everton winger Aiden McGeady last night was close to joining Sheffield Wednesday’s promotion push.

Middlesbrough, however, have pulled the plug on a deal for their long-time target Jordan Rhodes over the player’s personal demands.

For the Owls, beaten in heartbreaking fashion by League One strugglers Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Saturday, the capture of McGeady would be a major boost.

The Irishman is understood to have undergone a medical at Hillsborough over the weekend after agreement was reached with the Toffees over a loan move until the end of the season.

Providing there are no last- minute hitches, McGeady will be available to face Burnley tomorrow night in a key Championship fixture for the Owls.

Hull, meanwhile, hope to have both Powell – who was at Gigg Lane for Saturday’s FA Cup triumph over Bury – and Legia Warsaw goalkeeper Dusan Kuciak on board by tonight’s 11pm deadline.

On his own squad building plans, Hull manager Steve Bruce said: “I am never happy. If a manager stops trying (to strengthen) then it is time to pack up.

“You always have to knock on the door, you always have to have one more I wouldn’t be bringing him (Powell) in if I didn’t think he could enhance us. Last season, we had four or five players go down with long-term injuries so we have got to guard against that.”

Leeds head coach Steve Evans has also revealed that United could bring as many as three new faces in ahead of the 11pm cut-off.

United had a bid for Barnsley striker Sam Winnall rejected last week, while an attempt to bring Fraizer Campbell in on loan from Crystal Palace was also rebuffed.

Evans added: “We have got offers in for permanents and loans, we will see what happens.”