Leeds: Massimo Cellino does not expect any more signings in January transfer window

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has warned supporters not to expect any further signings between now and the end of the January transfer window. The Whites have made five additions this month but, despite manager Steve Evans being keen on improving his squad, the Italian owner has put paid to his ambitions.

Youngsters Jack and Paul McKay as well as Toumani Diagouraga have arrived on permanent deals while Liam Bridcutt has extended his loan spell from Sunderland until the end of the season. Mustapha Carayol has joined until the conclusion of the campaign from Middlesbrough. Evans had hoped to secure a deal for Everton and Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady but that deal now looks dead in the water.

"We are unlikely to make any signings before the transfer deadline on Monday," Cellino told Sky Sports News. "But we are committed to keeping our best players at the club." The Italian has been praised by Evans for his backing in the window.

That means the signing of Diagouraga from Championship rivals Brentford concludes Leeds' January business. Evans has compared the 28-year-old to former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira and former manager and captain Gary McAllister is excited by the addition.

"Leeds signing Diagouraga tells you the guy is rated," the Scot told the Yorkshire Evening Post of Diagouraga, who made his debut against former club Brentford on Tuesday [26 January]. "He's a talented player and Leeds have been re-energised with some new investment. I live in Leeds so I want the club to improve. I was happy to see them get Diagouraga as he's a top player.

"Diagouraga is exactly the type of player they need. Cellino is very emotional and wants to get Leeds back up. He's talked the talk and now a few players are starting to arrive. Leeds had been interested in Diagouraga for a long time.

"Leeds boss Steve Evans says Diagouraga reminds him of Partick Vieira. There are similarities, maybe he's not quite as good as Vieira. He's energetic, covers ground and is destructive but can play as well."