Leeds United v Walsall: Leeds retain hopes of signing Dickov

The 37-year-old was released by Leicester earlier this month and spent several days training with the Elland Road club last week.

Grayson wants to sign Dickov, who made 16 appearances when on loan at Derby County in the autumn, but FIFA regulations stipulate a player can represent a maximum of two clubs in one season in the same country.

With the deal seemingly dead, the veteran striker flew to Florida where he has been training with MLS side Toronto FC. Dickov came off the bench in Sunday's pre-season friendly against University of South Florida as Toronto won 1-0.

Grayson, however, is refusing to give up and Leeds are seeking urgent clarification from FIFA and UEFA ahead of the striker's planned return to West Yorkshire later this week.

Speaking ahead of tonight's League One encounter with Walsall, the United manager said: "If Paul signs for us, we would be his third club of the season and the problem is a player can only appear for two clubs within a certain window.

"We are trying to investigate a way round it. Dickov has gone to America and he will have a look but be back with us on Wednesday or Thursday. We can then see where we are with FIFA and UEFA. He is a player I like. He has played for me before (at Blackpool) and I want competition for places. I won't say it will definitely happen but he looked fit and lively in training."

Leeds can point to a precedent when discussing the matter with FIFA as Nicky Shorey has already played for Fulham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest this term.

The FA, Premier League and Football League classing his time at the City Ground as an emergency loan allowed Shorey's January switch to Craven Cottage, though it is understood FIFA take a dim view of what they regard as a loophole.

Asked if he would look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements if the Dickov deal proves too problematic, Grayson said: "I am always looking to strengthen.

"If things go to plan, Tresor (Kandol) could be back for the weekend (after injury). That would give me another option. We also have other options within the squad as to who can play up front. But, sometimes, just having that extra body within a group of games can make a difference. Whether that is Paul Dickov or someone else, only time will tell."

The focus tonight switches to the visit of Walsall as Leeds look to cut Norwich City's lead at the top to just one point.

With United having collected just six points from as many league games in 2010, it also represents a golden chance to lay down a marker in the race for automatic promotion – especially as Walsall's visit to Elland Road is the first of three home games in a row.

Grayson, whose side entertain Brighton on Saturday and Oldham Athletic a week tonight, said: "Maybe one or two people got carried away when we were so far in front but we were never going to maintain that sort of run. There was always going to be a lull in results and performances.

"The key is remaining positive. There are 17 games to go and we are in a very strong position. We feel we can now kick on and get as many points as possible.

"Norwich deserve tremendous credit because they have collected 41 points from a possible 45. That is a fantastic record and the sort we had at the start of the season."

Asked who he considered to be United's main rivals for automatic promotion, Grayson added: "I am keeping an eye on everyone, I have to because there are so many games to play. Anyone can go on a good run. Colchester are not too far away, while Millwall have won five on the trot.

"We only have to look at ourselves at this stage last season for an example of how a side can get on a good run. We felt until very late on that we could catch the top two.

"Other teams will be thinking that about us now. But the big positive is our destiny is in our own hands. We have a couple of games in hand on the teams around us."

Top scorer Jermaine Beckford could return after hamstring trouble but Patrick Kisnorbo is out, though the Australian defender is expected to return to training tomorrow.

Last six games: Leeds United LWLDWD, Walsall LDDDWL.

Referee: J Singh (Middlesex).

Last time: Leeds United 3 Walsall 0; October 25, 2008; League One.