Steve Evans
Evans is unlikely to be shaking hands on any loan deals between now and the 24 March deadline. Getty Images

Leeds United boss Steve Evans has seemingly ruled out reviving a move for Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty, claiming the club have no plans to make any signings during the final week of the Football League loan window. Evans, whose side have won their last three games to reignite their faint hopes of a play-off place, wants to concentrate on his current squad between now and the end of the season.

Northern Ireland forward Lafferty has not made a single Premier League start for the Canaries this season and threatens to go into the summer's European Championships without significant match time. Alex Neil revealed in January that he was willing to allow the player to leave Carrow Road – however no move has been forthcoming.

The Daily Mail recently claimed Leeds were set to resuscitate attempts to sign Lafferty before the Football League loan window closes on 24 March, as part of a push for promotion. Twelve points separate them from sixth place Sheffield Wednesday with a game in hand but Evans says his current team will be entrusted with guiding the club to a top-six finish.

"As a coach you're always looking, just to see what's available and what's not, but I'd be doing the boys in the dressing room a disservice if I wasn't looking inward first," the Leeds boss said, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "On Saturday [against Huddersfield Town], we'll have our strongest bench since I came in here. That must tell you we think the team is strong.

"I think when we look at the options we've got, not only on the bench but some players who aren't even getting stripped, it shows you we're getting stronger. When we're as strong as that, I don't think we need anyone in the building. We're minded that we've got a schedule coming up that's pretty hectic, a game every three days or so. That's going to test the whole group."

The humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brighton has been followed by three surprising wins in a row, with victories coming against Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City and most recently Blackburn Rovers. Leeds have 10 games to make up the 12-point gap ,and if nothing else to lay down a marker ahead of the new campaign.

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