Leeds wait for decision on striker

lil eva · Leeds wait for decision on striker

NEIL WARNOCK is mulling over a request from Leeds United to take Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman on loan.

The Elland Road club made an enquiry about the 34-year-old earlier this week as Gary McAllister looks to drag his side out of a wretched run of form.

United have slid down the League One table courtesy of no wins in their last seven games, a run that owes a lot to losing their scoring touch with just four goals having been scored in those 630 minutes.

McAllister has top scorer Jermaine Beckford back from suspension for the weekend trip to Swindon Town, but clearly feels his attacking options need extending, hence the enquiry to Warnock.

The Palace manager has his own problems, however, with a spate of injuries and three suspensions meaning his squad is down to the bare bones for Saturday's trip to Preston North End.

Warnock last night said: "Leeds have enquired about Dougie and I have had a chat with Gary. At the moment, I have not decided what to do because we have a host of injuries and three lads suspended at the weekend.

"I have told Gary I will let him know as soon as possible."

Freedman has made 18 appearances for Palace this season with the most recent coming a little over two weeks ago when Ipswich Town won 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

The 34-year-old Scot has moved for a combined fee of more than £3m during his career and has made more than 350 League appearances for the south London club in two spells.

Joe1

Not convinced but I'd happily give him a chance.

lil eva

Neil Warnock will talk to striker Dougie Freedman this weekend about reports linking him with a move to Leeds United.

The veteran scot, a firm favourite with Palace fans, had a quick chat with Warnock about it on Thursday, but the manager has said they will discuss it further on their way back from tomorrow's match in Preston.

Leeds manager Gary McAllister is understood to want the 33 year-old, who is currently out of favour at Selhurst Park, on loan for the rest of the season to bolster his side's promotion chances, but Warnock said no decision had been reached.

He said: "We are no nearer deciding one way or another. I had a chat with him and we are going to have a look over the weekend after the game tomorrow. We are so short for the game that I can't even think about it before then."

It is unclear though whether Freedman, the club's longest serving player having made 366 appearances and scored 108 goals in two spells for the Eagles, would welcome the move as he currently coaches the reserve side.