Whites eye move for Martin
Leeds United are interested in securing a long-term deal for goalkeeper David Martin after extending his loan from Liverpool until the end of January.
Martin has agreed to remain with Leeds for a second month following his move to Elland Road in November, and United manager Simon Grayson is not ruling out a bid to keep him at Elland Road beyond the end of the transfer window.
The 23-year-old, who spent time on loan at Tranmere Rovers earlier this season, has made only one appearance for Leeds during a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Accrington Stanley, but having joined Grayson's squad to cover for the absence of injured keeper Shane Higgs,
Martin has caught the eye of United's coaching staff.
Grayson said: "We like the look of him and we think he's a good goalkeeper.
"Shane's obviously had his problems with injuries as well so I'm delighted that Liverpool have allowed David to stay. We'll address how long we keep him after that."
Martin joined Liverpool in 2006 after beginning his career as a trainee with Wimbledon FC – latterly known as MK Dons – but he has not made a senior appearance in almost four years with the Anfield club.
He was sent on loan to Leicester City last season and made 30 appearances as the club won the League One title, but his form failed to earn him a regular place under Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.
Liverpool have agreed that Martin will stay with Leeds until January 30, granting him permission to play in this weekend's FA Cup tie at Manchester United.
His availability spared Grayson from potential selection problems after United's boss confirmed that Higgs had suffered another set-back in his fight against a thigh strain.
Higgs has not played since the middle of October and the former Cheltenham Town keeper is continuing his rehabilitation have aggravated the injury in training shortly before Christmas.
Grayson also has Casper Ankergren and Scotland Under-21 international Alan Martin on his books, but the extension of David Martin's deal has given him additional cover.
Alan Martin, meanwhile, looks likely to head out of Leeds on loan again next month with his opportunities at Elland Road limited.
The ex-Motherwell keeper joined Accrington on a half-season deal in August before returning prematurely in the wake of Higgs' injury.
United have already extended Tom Lees' stay with Accrington until the end of the season and allowed Tom Elliott to remain at Bury until May. (YEP)