Leeds United Secure Connor Wickham Loan Deal

Leeds United have won the race to sign Sunderland striker Connor Wickham on loan until the end of the season, the second addition since the takeover of Massimo Cellino.

Brian McDermott's side secured the signing of Jack Butland on loan from Stoke City on a 93-day loan last week and have now added Wickham to their ranks in order to further strengthen the club's play-off push despite Cellino's takeover at Elland Road having yet to be ratified by The Football League.

Wickham spent two months of the season at Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday, scoring eight goals in 12 appearances and after being deemed surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light for the remainder of the season, including the League Cup this weekend, the 20 year old has joined Leeds.

"I need to be playing football," said Wickham. "I'd been playing at Wednesday and I knew there was some interest in me, but I just needed to focus on playing football.

"Once I heard Leeds were interested in signing me there were no other choices and no doubt I wanted to come.

"I played against Leeds earlier this season with Sheffield Wednesday. The potential here is big. There are some players here that I know already, and the team is looking to push towards the play-offs. Hopefully I can help with that.

"I just want to play football and do the best I can, and hopefully push the team into the promotion picture."

Manager McDermott, whose side are seven points adrift of the play-off places with 15 games remaining, added: "We are delighted to have signed Connor until the end of the season.

"There was a lot of competition for his signature, but he was very keen to come and play at Leeds United. He is another young English player who has everything in front of him."

Top scorer Ross McCormack has scored the lion's share of Leeds' goals this season, with 22 in the Championship and Wickham will be hoping to supplement the Scot given the lack of goals elsewhere in the squad.

Manager director David Haigh said: "We're delighted to bring another quality player into the club. Jack showed why we were so keen to sign him with a terrific performance at Middlesbrough on Saturday, and Connor is another young player with a similar pedigree.

"Brian has made no secret of the fact that he has been looking to strengthen, and we're delighted we've been able to support him with two key acquisitions to the squad."