Leeds United boss Evans has eye on number of loan targets ahead of deadline

STEVE EVANS says Leeds United are in talks with a number of targets ahead of Wednesday’s emergency loan deadline
Kyle Lafferty (centre) is one of a number of loan targets for Leeds United. Picture: Liam McBurney/PAKyle Lafferty (centre) is one of a number of loan targets for Leeds United. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA
Kyle Lafferty (centre) is one of a number of loan targets for Leeds United. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Evans has been chasing Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt for over two weeks with the Glaswegian also revealing last weekend that he had enquired with Norwich City about loaning Northern Ireland international striker Kyle Lafferty.

And while time is running out for Evans to strengthen his squad before the January transfer window opens, the head coach is still hopeful of bringing in fresh blood in the next few days.

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The Scot also revealed he had received calls for “three or four” fringe players but stressed that nobody would leave Elland Road before new recruits were brought in.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Championship hosting of his former club Rotherham United, Evans revealed: “We have had calls for three or four of the fringe players but I believe we have to strengthen before that as our numbers are limited.

“We are working really, really hard to add to the group certainly before next Thursday and there is several conversations going on.

“It’s not just the lad up at Sunderland or one lad over at Norwich, there is several players who in my opinion are at that level and if we can’t get one or two others because of certain reasons that we can’t agree for whatever reason then we can’t just have only one option.

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“We have got a few different options that Martyn Glover and the team behind the scenes are working really hard to get here.”

Evans also confirmed that left back Charlie Taylor will likely be back available for next Saturday’s trip to Queens Park Rangers after continuing his return to fitness after glandular fever, while centre-back Liam Cooper has fully recovered from the concussion that he picked up in the win at Huddersfield Town.

Evans added: “Charlie is back in training at probably 70 per cent of what the first team is doing and he’ll be stepping it up over the weekend to 100 per cent.

“Certainly, subject to a good week’s training, he may be available for some part of the game at Queen’s Park Rangers on Saturday week and Coops is fine.

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“We’ve got one or two other knocks within the group that we are going to keep in house because we still have hopes and beliefs that those lads will be fit.

“They have missed out on training today but it’s nothing more than training ground things that happen on a regular basis and there will be no excuses on Saturday.”