Brian McDermott
McDermott wants support from the Leeds ownership.

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott has urged the Elland Road hierarchy to enter into discussions regarding the future of 18 year old Alex Mowatt

After signing professional terms in March, Mowatt has started Leeds' last three games to great acclaim but with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2015, the club are eager to tie him down to a new contract to heed off interest from afar.

And McDermott says such have been the accomplished nature of Mowatt's performances that Leeds must begin negotiations regarding a new deal sooner rather than later.

"You're constantly monitoring players' contracts," McDermott said.

"Alex has got a year-and-a-half to go here but he's done extremely well so we need to speak to him and his people.

"Everyone knows what I think of him and how well he's done. He's got real ability. You can see the respect the players have got for him," he added.

"They keep wanting to give him the ball and the fans want to see him on the ball. That's a really good sign."

While McDermott has been frustrated in his attempts to recruit players in the loan window, failing in a deal to bring Arsenal's Serge Gnabry to west Yorkshire, Mowatt's introduction has been like a new signing for The Whites.

After a run of four defeats in five games the international break came at the perfect time for Leeds and with their next five games all against fellow-strugglers in the Championship the club face a pivotal period in the season.

The weekend visit of Birmingham City (19<sup>th) is following by a trip to Huddersfield Town (13<sup>th) and then another home game against newly promoted Yoevil Town (23<sup>rd).

Charlton Athletic, 21<sup>st, and Middlebrough, 16<sup>th conclude a winnable run of games as Leeds look to turn their campaign around and stage an assault on promotion to the top flight for the first time since 2004.