White back in the frame

AIDAN WHITE has impressed during his time at Boundary Park.

ATHLETIC are hoping to tie up a deal which would secure Aidan White until the end of the season.

The Leeds winger (19) scored two goals — including a superb individual strike against Exeter — for Athletic in five appearances before his initial loan deal ran out earlier this month.

An ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 home derby defeat against Rochdale curtailed his progress and he hasn't played since.

Manager Paul Dickov — who is likely to target a goalscorer, finances permitting, following the recent return of Dean Kelly to his native Ireland — had planned to bring White in before the team made the journey south to Plymouth last week.

Those efforts were in vain, but the player is back to full fitness.

And with Leeds having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal last night, the lack of extra matches the Championship club will have to play may mean that manager Simon Grayson lets White once again link up with Dickov, the player's team-mate at Elland Road last season.

"We are discussing the situation with Leeds," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy. "We are hopeful of being able to extend the deal."

At present, Athletic have four loan players on their books in Ben Amos, Neal Trotman, Cedric Evina and Oumare Tounkara.

Clubs are permitted to sign as many players on loan as they wish, but a maximum of five can be named in any matchday squad.

Dickov has already been boosted in terms of his options for the visit of Brentford to Boundary Park this Saturday by the return to fitness of Lewis Alessandra.

The winger played for 45 minutes in the reserves against Bolton on Tuesday night and is likely to take his place in the squad for Saturday’s clash.

A win against the Bees could take Athletic as high as fifth in the npower League One table.