Doncaster Rovers v Leeds United: Chances of enticing winger to Leeds not ruled out

BRIAN MCDERMOTT admits he is no closer to landing a winger ahead of Monday’s transfer window deadline – although he is not ruling out that situation changing over the coming days.
BRIAN McDERMOTT: Still hoping to bring in fresh faces for the campaign ahead.BRIAN McDERMOTT: Still hoping to bring in fresh faces for the campaign ahead.
BRIAN McDERMOTT: Still hoping to bring in fresh faces for the campaign ahead.

A wide-sided player remains very much the transfer priority for McDermott, whose Leeds side will be attempting to extend their unbeaten run at the start of the season to six games at the Keepmoat Stadium this evening.

The United boss has confirmed that new signing Scott Wootton will make his debut against Rovers, who were knocked out of the League Cup at the same second-round stage by Leeds in August 2011, when Ramon Nunez netted a brace in a 2-1 success.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Progression in this season’s competition will boost McDermott’s transfer kitty, although as it stands, no business is imminent.

On the prospect of a wing signing to quickly follow on from the capture of centre-half Wootton, he said: “I wouldn’t say so at this moment in time. If you are going to sign a winger and the kind of winger you want, it’s not cheap and is an expensive business.

“It might not be the thing to do; I don’t know yet. We’ll see. We just have to wait and see – if something comes our way and if we can do it, we’ll do it. If we don’t, we don’t.

“I don’t really expect too much to happen. We’ve done four (summer) deals and are working with the players we have got. I wouldn’t say there’s anything that stands out just yet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But with transfers, things can pop up at this stage of the season, especially very late on and there’s always a possibility.”

“We know we need some width and we’re working it out at the moment and trying to find a way to get results.”

McDermott says talks with Middlesbrough target Ross McCormack regarding a new deal are ‘ongoing’, with Boro chief Tony Mowbray refusing to concede defeat in his bid to sign the Scot, despite seeing several bids knocked back.

Mowbray said: “I don’t think it’s over. Look at the bigger clubs – is the Rooney issue over, is the Suarez issue over?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Once the window shuts, he won’t be signing. But I’ve got total respect for the club the boy is playing for and he is doing pretty well for them.”

Meanwhile, highly-rated defender Sam Byram played 45 minutes on his return to action in United’s development squad’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town yesterday afternoon.

The teenager is yet to feature in the first team this season due to a hip injury.

Last six games: Doncaster DWWLWL; Leeds WDDWWW.

Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).

Last time: Doncaster 0 Leeds 3; October 14, 2011; Championship.*