Leeds United extend Grella's stay at Carlisle

The American striker, who can be recalled at 24 hours notice by Leeds, has netted two goals in six appearances for the Cumbrians since moving to Brunton Park a month ago.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott said: "Mike has proved an excellent addition to the dressing room and squad since he arrived.

"He brings something different and we think that there's still more to come from him. We are very grateful to Leeds United for allowing us to keep him longer and hopefully he can benefit from getting regular first-team football."

Crystal Palace manager George Burley has revealed how a pre-season chat with Darren Ambrose persuaded the inspirational midfielder to snub QPR and stay at Selhurst Park.

Ambrose, who has scored three goals in his last two games to help Palace to back-to-back wins, looked set to follow former Eagles boss Neil Warnock to Loftus Road over the summer.

But one of Burley's first tasks following his arrival in south London was to hold talks with Ambrose, a player he first managed at Ipswich almost a decade ago.

"When I first came to the club it looked as though Darren was going to leave," he said.

"I worked with him as a kid when he was 17 so I was pleased I managed to persuade him to stay and the club offered him a very good contract. He is such a key player."

Rochdale are poised to sign Scunthorpe striker Bobby Grant on a month-long loan this week.

Grant, 20, joined the Iron from Accrington in the summer but has struggled to establish himself at Glanford Park and has not yet scored a goal.