Latics’ test of resolve

CHRIS TAYLOR could be on his way to Leeds United.

The 23-year-old winger was linked with a switch to the Elland Road club in the last transfer window and the runaway leaders of Coca-Cola League One — whose coffers have been boosted by an extended run in the FA Cup which will see their fourth round clash at Tottenham televised live — now seem set to test Athletic’s resolve with a substantial six-figure bid.

Jermaine Beckford, the goal-scoring hero of Leeds’ extraordinary 1-0 defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round at the weekend, is reportedly set for a move to Newcastle United should the clubs agree a suitable transfer fee.

The 26-year-old striker is likely to cost upwards of £2million despite being out of contract in the summer.

If a deal is struck for Beckford, it would leave Leeds manager Simon Grayson with cash to spend on squad reinforcements as he bids to secure the League One title, with an eye on next season’s Championship campaign.

And Taylor, currently on the road to full fitness after a season ruined by illness and injury, has already been watched by Leeds this season. Other admirers include Championship sides Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool, and Athletic have in the past rejected at least one big offer for the Springhead-based player.

Athletic manager Dave Penney could also be set to lose another player, with Rochdale set to put in a firm bid to keep striker Chris O’Grady at the League Two club.

Penney had insisted that O’Grady — scorer of 12 goals in 21 league appearances while at Dale — was returning to Boundary Park on the expiration of his loan deal on January 16, but a suitable cash deal that would allow Athletic to go back in for Doncaster forward Paul Heffernan could be preferable.

On-loan Blackburn Rovers man Alex Marrow, kept out of the starting line-up at Hartlepool due to a head injury, is back in contention for the scheduled home game against Leyton Orient at Boundary Park on Saturday.