Warnock waits on Mills as Webber arrives to bolster Leeds’s attack

The 30-year-old, who was released by Portsmouth last summer, yesterday signed a contract until the end of the season after impressing on a short trial at Elland Road.

It is the second time Warnock has signed Webber after the pair worked together for more than two years at Sheffield United and the Leeds chief has described the deal as a “no lose” situation for the club.

Warnock is determined to stamp his mark on the United squad and has targeted Leicester City defender Matt Mills as a key capture.

A proposal has been put to the Foxes but, any deal will not materialise until at least tomorrow with Mills having played in a behind closed doors friendly for City against Northampton Town yesterday afternoon.

City manager Nigel Pearson has recently undergone a back operation and no decision will be made until he returns tomorrow.

If Mills, a £5m signing for Leicester last year, does move to Elland Road it will represent a considerable coup for Warnock, who has told the Yorkshire Post of his delight at being reunited with Webber.

The United manager, who watched Webber play 45 minutes of a behind-closed doors friendly win over Middlesbrough yesterday, said: “We couldn’t really lose with a deal like this. Danny will come in until the end of the season and I believe he can make a big impact.

“What with (loanee Andros) Townsend leaving and Ramon Nunez being ill last weekend down at Portsmouth, we weren’t left with too many options in certain areas.

“Danny came in to train with us and did well. Danny is also someone who knows what I want.

“I also believe he has something to prove. He is a player who should walk into any team at this level. So, this is a big chance for him to show that.”

Manchester-born Webber began his career at Old Trafford as a youngster but made just a handful of first-team appearances and left to join Watford in 2003.

He then moved to Bramall Lane a couple of years later, initially on loan before securing a £500,000 permanent transfer. In his first full season in Sheffield, Webber netted 10 goals to help the Blades win promotion to the Premier League.

Warnock, who has also been linked with Bolton Wanderers defender Paul Robinson, said: “Danny did really well for me at Sheffield United and I know he is desperate to make a big impact here. Danny has kept himself fit and been training hard so I don’t have any problems with his fitness. He could easily be in the squad for Southampton.

“He will give us options. We have Robert Snodgrass and I thought Aidy White did well. Lloyd Sam is also there but you can guarantee that between now and the end of the season we will encounter problems so Danny coming in will help.”