Sam Allardyce
Allardyce no longer interested in McCormack.

Leeds United do not expect West Ham United to return with an improved offer for Ross McCormack, according to manager Brian McDermott.

Sam Allardyce has desperately sought to add to his meagre striking options with his club lying 18<sup>th in the Premier League with a relegation scrap on the cards for the Hammers.

The manager lifted some of the pressure on his shoulders by securing a deal for Roma striker Marco Borriello over the weekend, but will not return with another offer for McCormack after seeing his opening bid rejected.

McDermott now fully expects the Scotland international to be at Elland Road once the transfer window closes on Friday.

"The bid for Ross was rejected on Friday and I've spoken to Sam Allardyce since and he has said that they won't be coming back in for him," McDermott told Leeds' official website.

"I am confident that he will be here after the window closes on Friday. Ross has never asked to leave. He is my captain and he is a talisman for our team.

"He scores goals and he makes them as well. He has been a good leader for the team and for me and I'm confident he will remain here.

"He has been important since April, since I turned up at the club. I'm sure that he will get better and better and will and we are going to have him for his prime years."

With the club's record signing Andy Carroll making his first appearances of the season in the early weeks of 2014, Allardyce may be satisfied with his current options at the forefront of the attack. 31-year-old Borriello will remain at the club until the end of the season along with his fellow Italy international Antonio Nocerino, who arrives from AC Milan.

But with the club's other striking options of Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga having contributed a meagre five goals to their side's Premier League cause this season, Allardyce may feel further additions are required.