Grayson bides time over loan market dealings

The Elland Road club signed Manchester City goalkeeper David Gonzalez on the final day of the January window but were unable to make any further additions despite being in discussions with a couple of Premier League managers.

United are likely to return to those deals when the emergency loan market for Football League clubs, though with all moves being subject to a maxium of 93 days it means serious consideration will have to be given to the timing of any transfers.

If, for instance, a new signing is made on Tuesday then he will only be able to stay at Leeds until May 11 – after the regular season has finished but before the play-offs get underway.

Grayson said: “The 93-day rule is something we have to consider. If we do bring any signings in too early and get to the (play-off) semi-finals or the final, then they would be ruled out. The other danger is if we leave it too late and don’t get there.

“It is a fine balance and will be approached on a game-by-game basis. If the team are doing well, then we might not need to do something for a few weeks anyway.”

United were strongly linked with Blackpool’s Keith Southern and Manchester City’s Michael Johnson before the transfer window closed on Monday.

While not willing to discuss the identity of his planned targets in the upcoming loan window, Grayson said: “We asked the question of a few clubs last week and that hasn’t stopped just because the transfer window has closed.

“The level we are looking at would be Premier League players who play for big teams. With all due respect, I am not looking to bring anyone in from Leagues One or Two.”

United host Coventry tomorrow in the unusual position of being the Championship’s top scorers with 54 goals but also having the third worst defensive record.

Grayson said: “It is disappointing to concede the goals we do because we work hard on the training pitch. We don’t send the team out and say, ‘Do what you want’.

“Goals against are not necessarily all about what the back four do but the whole team and we do have a lot of attack-minded players.

“If I wanted to get a 0-0 every week, I could send out my team 4-5-1 and get the wide lads to double up as full-backs. But we wouldn’t score many goals, either. Then people would be asking, ‘Why aren’t you scoring?’ It is a fine balance.”