Gossip Column (07/02/16): Evans eyes Leeds exit for under-performing stars | Owls target admits unsure future | Barnsley target Ainsworth

Steve Evans has declared that the Elland Road exit awaits for Leeds United’s under-performing players after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

There have been questions over whether Leeds’ budget stretches far enough to mount a serious promotion challenge, but Evans has dismissed that idea.

Instead, he believes that players that are not first-team ready are taking up funds. Evans is now hoping for departures to free up space on the wage bill.

He said: “For us to do certain things, certain players will need to leave, that’s obvious

“This budget is a very healthy budget. This budget back in July was a top six budget in fairness to the president and it still is today.

“So the reason you’re not in the top six is because of the players. It’s not because you’ve not paid the money.

“You’ve signed the players thinking they would take you to where you want to be.

“The problem lies therein the football club that those players are not good enough.”

Hibernian striker Jason Cummings has told The Sunday Times that he is unsure of his future at the club. The Daily Mail linked Cummings with a move to Yorkshire duo Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds prior to the January transfer window.

Asked about his future, he said: “I’m not really too sure. I’ll be here till the end of the season and my main concentration is to get Hibs promoted and try to win a couple of cups. The rest will take care of itself.”

Barnsley could turn to Gareth Ainsworth in their quest for a new manager, according to The Football League Paper. The former Queens Park Rangers midfielder has led Wycombe Wanderers to 10th in League Two. Barnsley lost manager Lee Johnson to Bristol City on Saturday.