Veteran striker Dickov on verge of securing Leeds United deal

The 37-year-old striker has been training with the Elland Road club for much of the past fortnight. However, FIFA red tape has frustrated United's attempts to sign the player on a short-term deal with regulations stating a player can represent a maximum of two clubs from the same country in one season.

Dickov started the campaign at Leicester City but also made 16 appearances when on loan at Derby County in the Autumn.

Leeds have been seeking clarification from FIFA and the Yorkshire Post understands a way has been found to sign a striker who netted two goals in four starts for the Foxes in League One last term.

Grayson said: "Paul will be with us Monday and by tea-time we should have a decision, one way or the other.

"The decision is more or less in our hands. Certain things have been resolved so we now decide whether we finalise a deal until the end of the season.

"Paul is very keen and he trained all last week. He is a great character to have around and his experience should help push us forward."

If Dickov does sign, he will join a club sitting second in League One and four points clear of the field in the race for automatic promotion.

Colchester United's defeat at Bristol Rovers together with Swindon Town only drawing at Leyton Orient means just Charlton made ground on Leeds over the weekend courtesy of their Friday night win at Southend United.

Speaking after his side's 2-2 draw at the Galpharm Stadium, Grayson said: "I would imagine all the top six are still in the race (for automatic promotion), and maybe one or two more.

"We had a great run last season where we got close to the top two and I am sure others will be thinking the same.

"Teams will be playing each other and there will be twists and turns. But we are in a strong position and we still have a game in hand over some of the teams up there."

On Leeds having to settle for a point despite leading 2-1 with just five minutes remaining, Grayson said: "I think it was a fair result.

"We knew they needed to win to narrow the gap so it was important we didn't lose. Both teams went for it, neither side was willing to sit back and hope for the draw.

"The good thing is it is another point towards where we want to get to and one less game for the teams trying to catch us to make up ground."

Grayson's Huddersfield counterpart, Lee Clark, was equally pleased with his side's efforts in the 68th West Yorkshire derby between the two clubs.

The Town chief said: "The least we deserved was the result we got. If Jordan (Rhodes) had put that opportunity in just before half-time, I am not sure Leeds would have been able to get back into it.

"Credit to them, though, as Leeds started the second half very well and got the goals when they had the momentum.

"Going behind gave us a kick up the backside and I always felt we would be the one to get the next goal in the final quarter.

"And but for an unbelievable reaction save from Ankergren to keep out Lee Novak near the end, we would possibly have won it. But I am still delighted with the performance of the players. It was another outstanding match against Leeds and, once again, showed the quality there is in this division. I just hope that come next season the West Yorkshire derby will be in the Championship."

Clark's team are back in action tomorrow at Southampton, where the Town chief may be forced into a first change to his starting line-up in six games.

Lee Peltier is a major doubt after falling awkwardly during stoppage time on Saturday.