Report: Leeds eye up senior signing as wantaway first team figure set for January exit

Leeds United are not willing to allow wantaway goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to depart the club until they have secured the signing of another senior shot stopper, according to a report. The

Sunderland Echo

claim on the live transfer blog on their website (26/01) that the 34-year-old is open to a move to the Stadium of Light, but that the Whites will not green light his exit until a replacement is found, with the summer signing currently understudy to first choice Felix Wiedwald. It is said that Leeds would be looking to receive a fee from the north east side, although

as revealed exclusively by Football Insider, there have been discussions over a possible swap deal between the two clubs

, while there were also claims

terms had been agreed between the player and the Black Cats

. Lonergan has made nine appearances since joining from Wolves on a free transfer over the summer, battling it out with Wiedwald for a role in the starting XI.

Football Insider verdict

While Lonergan is open to a switch and Sunderland are keen to secure a deal, Leeds are right in putting their own needs before the wants of others. While he has failed to impress this season with a series of shaky performances, the club would regret allowing their second choice shot stopper to leave without an experienced replacement, as injury or suspension can occur in the blink of an eye. Who will they seek to sign? It might be a tough task assigned to Victor Orta and the transfer team at Elland Road, with less than a week to find a club willing to sell one of their goalkeepers so late in the window.

In other Leeds United transfer news,

the club are in hot pursuit of a midfield goal machine

.