Jermaine Beckford

Can’t do a deadline day write-up without including the number one talking point of the last month or so. Some stories are still suggesting Beckford may leave today which I guess no one can rule out until the window closes, not least Leeds United.

If there’s no planned deal already – and some papers would have you believe he’ll be at Everton by tomorrow – then there’s always the possibility of a last second panic buy from any club who feel they haven’t quite brought in everyone they’d have liked. If that’s the case, and he does leave, then he leaves on the back of one of his finest displays against Colchester where he forged an instantly brilliant partnership with McSheffrey.

I’m torn as to whether I want him to stay or not. One part of me says no player can be fully commited with one eye on moving come May, whilst another part of me can’t help but think we need him to do what he does. Leaving today would be especially hard on Leeds as I doubt we have any replacement lined up, after Barnard snubbed us for Southampton.

Either way, whatever happens, I’ll hold no animosity towards Jermaine. He’s done well for Leeds United and no one should be criticised for wanting to excel in their career.

The signings so far

The only permanent addition thus far was that of Max Gradel, which will have delighted Leeds United fans after the youngster had an impressive loan spell with the club. He’ll now be fighting for a regular place in the first team and I wouldn’t bet against him after seeing him run the show away to Oldham earlier this season when he played for the entire 90 minutes.

Then there’s the loan signings, who in all fairness are easy to praise after their impressive contributions against Colchester. That said, I think if you’d have asked any Leeds United fan the areas we needed to strengthen in January, a lot would have suggested the full-backs needed sorting and I know many thought another attacking threat wouldn’t hurt. In Lowry and McSheffrey, Simon has delivered both. Whilst neither of them are permanent transfers, they’re both quality players who attracted a lot of interest from Championship clubs, and who Leeds have done well to acquire.

So, anyone else want to join the party?

Other than Simon Grayson suggesting he may be bringing others in, there’s very little been said about other possible additions. It’s hardly surprising really considering the way in which Leeds United have conducted business in recent years, but it does make TSS that little bit harder to write when no ones got a clue whats going on. I guess we’ll find out by the end of the day either way.