Everton go cold on Leeds McCormack bid

United’s determination to keep hold of McCormack beyond the end of the summer transfer window looked set to be tested by an approach from Goodison Park but Everton appear to have revised their strategy in the wake of Rodwell’s lucrative transfer on Sunday night.

McCormack, whose contract with Leeds expires in less than 12 months’ time, was watched by Everton manager David Moyes during United’s penultimate pre-season friendly at Preston North End and again by reserve-team coach David Weir during Saturday’s League Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town.

But sources on Merseyside say Moyes does not intend to submit a concrete bid for the Scotland international and will turn his search for a new forward elsewhere.

Leeds were receptive to interest in McCormack at the start of the summer after contract negotiations came to nothing but the value to manager Neil Warnock of a striker who scored 19 goals last season increased rapidly in the aftermath of Robert Snodgrass’ sale to Norwich City on July 26.

United have since reopened contract talks with McCormack and discussions were held between his advisors and club chief executive Shaun Harvey last Friday.

Leeds will be at risk of losing the former Cardiff City player for nothing next summer if he remains at Elland Road beyond the end of August and fails to agree an extension to his deal but Warnock said: “I was a lot happier talking to him on Saturday and he seems happier too. I’m not saying it (agreement over an extension) will definitely happen but we’re optimistic.”

Warnock’s plan to invest in additional forwards has been hampered by a shortage of funds at Leeds, and he was continuing to work towards a permanent deal with former Liverpool and Doncaster Rovers striker El-Hadji Diouf today.

But the United boss has been increasingly resistant to the idea of selling McCormack in the closing weeks of the transfer window, and he was hopeful of signing the forward to a new deal ahead of Saturday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the first of the new Championship term.

McCormack, meanwhile, will look for his first appearance for Scotland in more than a year tonight after his late call-up for a friendly against Australia at Easter Road.

The striker said: “I’m hopeful I’ll play some part. If not, I go back to Leeds and look to have another good season and just keep scoring goals.

“The new manager, Neil Warnock, coming in has helped me. I’ve played in a lot of different positions under him. It’s a good learning curve.”

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