United are knocked back over loan moves

The Elland Road club have been scouring the market in recent weeks to try to pep up their squad ahead of the all-important run-in.

Manchester City’s Michael Johnson is believed to be among the players interesting manager Simon Grayson, who last week watched the 22-year-old play for the Blues’ reserves.

However, City manager Roberto Mancini later said Johnson is not available for loan.

Others believed to be on Grayson’s radar are Birmingham City’s Jordon Mutch and Barry Bannan, of Aston Villa, while any hopes United had of capturing Keith Southern – the Blackpool midfielder whom they tried to sign in January – have receded following the player’s return to first-team action at Bloomfield Road.

On the club’s transfer search, Leeds chairman Bates said: “We hope to make one or two signings this week or next but you have to understand we are only interested in signing players from the Premier League because no one competing with us will let any players out, just as we wouldn’t let any of our players join our competitors.

“Premier League clubs are suffering injuries and suspensions. We have a situation where three players Simon had in mind, who we have provisionally agreed to sign, are now on hold because their present clubs are concerned they need them.”

United are still hoping to make progress in the transfer market before this weekend’s visit of Doncaster Rovers to Elland Road, though Bates added: “It is no good signing a player who is rusty when you have 12 games to go as it will take them three or four games to get fit.”

Leeds will not be offering a contract to Michael Stewart after the 29-year-old completed a two-week trial with the club.

The former Hearts midfielder is out of contract after leaving Turkish side Genclerbirgli.