Leeds prepare to swoop on Lithuanian star

United appear to winning the battle to sign defender Marius Zaliukas.

The Lithuanian staked his claim for a deal with an appearance for United’s development squad yesterday and he will speak to McDermott about his future in the next 24 hours.

United secured international clearance in time for out-of-contract Zaliukas to play on trial in a 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, and McDermott has not ruled out the possibility of adding the former Heart of Midlothian captain to his senior squad.

Zaliukas is available on a free transfer having rejected offers from Scottish club Rangers and Championship side Queens Park Rangers, both of whom took the centre-back on trial after his summer release from Hearts.

McDermott admitted last week that he was keen to add an experienced central defender to United’s existing pool of Tom Lees, Jason Pearce and Scott Wootton, and Zaliukas looked largely comfortable against a Wednesday line-up featuring 6’6” striker Atdhe Nuhiu.

Zaliukas said: “It was a hard game because I don’t know a lot of the players here and that makes communication quite difficult, but basically it was good.”

Asked if he was hopeful of winning a deal at Elland Road, Zaliukas said: “You would have to ask the gaffer.

“Obviously I’m looking forward. It’s a good place, a good team and a good league. It would be a challenge.

“The type of game here suits me best. I was expecting to be sorted out (with a club) a couple of months ago and my situation is probably talking for itself. It would be good to finish all that.”

McDermott watched Zaliukas’ performance at Thorp Arch alongside assistant manager Nigel Gibbs and he hinted that an offer to the defender could be forthcoming after his short trial.

Zaliukas is understood to have resisted the chance to join QPR due to doubts about the likelihood of him playing regularly under Harry Redknapp but the West London side remain interested in the Lithuania international.

McDermott said: “You can see his experience and I thought he was comfortable.

“He hasn’t played a lot of games but he did play for Lithuania against Edin Dzeko last week. There’s a good player there.

“I’m not in two minds about him but I need to have discussions with my staff and go from there. We’ll bring him back in tomorrow and have a conversation.”

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