Warnock pledges to keep ‘plugging away’ over transfers

NEIL WARNOCK believes Leeds United may have to be patient in the January transfer window after already missing out on two targets in the first 24 hours of ‘trading’.

The Elland Road chief, whose side yesterday beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 in a drab contest, is desperate to strengthen this month.

However, a tentative enquiry about West Bromwich Albion’s Chris Wood had already been rebuffed during the final few days of 2012 with the striker instead yesterday joining Leicester City.

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Interest in another two players has also since come to nothing to leave Warnock, who has agreed an extension to Alan Tate’s loan stay, admitting that United may have to play a waiting game.

He said: “Getting players in is not straightforward. I have already (asked) about two of my targets and I was told there was no chance of their clubs letting them go.

“That shows how difficult it is. Once again, it will probably go to the last minute of the month. That just seems to be how football is at the moment. But we will keep plugging away.

“It is probably good that it is an FA Cup game this weekend because it gives us 10 days. ”

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Tate’s loan stay has been extended to January 27 with a view to the Swansea City defender remaining at Elland Road until the end of the season.

Warnock also wants to keep 
Jerome Thomas, who joined on the same day as Tate in November, but the winger has returned to West Bromwich Albion following the end of his loan.

The Leeds manager said: “By extending (the loan deal for) Tate until January 27, it gives Alan and ourselves an opportunity to see what is what. If we are both happy then I am sure he will stop until the end of the season. It gives us a bit of breathing space.

“With Jerome, Shaun (Harvey, chief executive) has spoken to them and we aren’t too far away, but one or two other clubs are sniffing at him as well.

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“Michael Tonge (whose loan stay at Leeds ended after the win over Middlesbrough on December 22) is similar as we have spoken to Stoke and we will wait and see.”

On the New Year’s Day win over Bolton, achieved thanks to a second-half penalty by Luciano Becchio, Warnock added: “I am really proud. We need a bit more quality here and there but as a manager I can’t ask any more than that. The first thing you need is 11 lads working their socks off. Then you’ve got a chance.”

n Match report: Page 20.