Leeds fail in Becchio bid

McDermott is in the hunt for a loan forward and a winger to bolster his offensive options – and has also enquired about talented Arsenal teen wingman Serge Gnabry, who found the net in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory at Swansea at the weekend.

His quest to sign Becchio, who left the club on transfer deadline-day in January, was rebuffed by Norwich City chief Chris Hughton, although McDermott, seeking to end a four-match losing streak at home to Bournemouth this evening, has hinted that the situation could change with the Argentine firmly down the pecking order at Carrow Road.

Becchio is understood to be frustrated at his lack of opportunities at Norwich, having featured for just 14 minutes this season, in the Capital One Cup game with Bury last month. A move back to Leeds would appeal to the 29-year old. At least one other second-tier club have enquired about Becchio along with a team in Spain’s Primera Division. There is also interest in Turkey.

McDermott, whose bid to bring in Gnabry was also rejected, said: “I made an enquiry to Chris Hughton regarding Becchio and he wasn’t available. Will it change? Things do...

“I made an enquiry for a couple of Arsenal players as well – Gnabry, who scored their first goal on Saturday, was one of them. I wouldn’t think they will let him out now.”

With no loan signings set to arrive before the Cherries test, McDermott is instead concentrating fully on getting the best out of the current players at his disposal to seek a winning response tonight as his side aim to get back onside with travelling supporters left massively disappointed by the weekend loss at Millwall.

And the Whites boss has challenged United to take out their hurt and frustration on the Cherries – after admitting to a sleepless night following the defeat at the New Den.

United have dropped down to 15th spot in the Championship –back on September 14, they were as high as sixth – and if they lose this evening, it will represent their worst run of form since December 2008.

On United’s recent run, he said: “It hurts and believe me. If you think I had a good night’s sleep after Millwall, then that’s not the case. It hurts and I want to win and these players and fans do. We haven’t got a player coming in (for Tuesday). We are

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constantly talking about players we haven’t got.

“But we’ve got a lot of players and the last thing I want to do is undermine any of the players we’ve got already playing and doing the best they can for the shirt.

“That’s not something I want to do. Have I made enquiries for players? Yes, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I hadn’t done.

“But at this moment, nothing is forthcoming.

“But I am hoping the players who get those shirts against Bournemouth do what they have to do and get the right result.

“I have to focus on the present and can’t do anything about what has happened. It’s really important to keep the faith.

“We have to make sure we have the desire, determination and work-rate. If we have got that, the fans will stay with you here.

“If it looks like we haven’t got that, that’s when you have got a problem. I understand that.

“Sometimes, you won’t play well, but as long as the fans see you running around and doing everything you can for the shirt, they will be okay. I’m convinced about that, these fans are good fans. They know football.”

McDermott has no new injury or suspension problems, but is expected to make one or two changes in a bid to find a winning formula.

Sam Byram could return to the starting line-up after being a sub on Saturday, with defenders Tom Lees and Aidy White are pushing for recalls to the squad. Teenage midfielder Alex Mowatt also hoping to retain his place after making his league debut at Millwall and is eyeing a full home debut.

Stephen Warnock is fit, despite being sick on Saturday after being briefly winded in a tackle.

Bournemouth will be without suspended midfielder Richard Hughes, with former Whites favourite Ian Harte hoping for involvement, despite not featuring since the end of August.

Matt Ritchie’s thigh injury still keeps him out along with a suspected knee problem which forced Welsh midfielder Shaun MacDonald off on Saturday while Charlie Daniels is also sidelined.

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