Leeds United Boss McDermott Reveals Failed Bid For Arsenal Starlet

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott tried to bring Arsenal starlet Serge Gnabry to Elland Road in an audacious loan move.

The German starlet has been given the opportunity to impose himself on the Gunners first team in the absence of Theo Walcott and marked his second Premier League starting appearance with a goal against Swansea City.

But the former Reading manager attempted to strike a deal with Arsene Wenger to bring the 18-year-old winger to the Championship club, in addition to a deal to sign Luciano Becchio back on a loan deal after the Argentine left for Norwich City in the January transfer window.

"I made an enquiry to Chris Hughton regarding Luciano Becchio and he wasn't available," McDermott told Leeds' official website.

"Will it change? Who knows? Things do."

"I made an enquiry for a couple of young players at Arsenal as well - Gnabry who scored their first goal on Saturday was one of them. I wouldn't think they will let him out now.

"It's a tricky situation because Premier League clubs can't just go out and loan anyone - they want better players too if they are strengthening - so they don't want to be left short in their own squads."

Gnabry made his first appearance for the Gunners against McDermott's Reading side last season in a spectacular Capital One Cup tie that finished 7-5 to Arsenal. The former Stuttgart youth player has gone on to make three appearances for Arsenal this season and is likely to retain his spot on the right hand side of Arsenal's attack until Theo Walcott returns from abdominal surgery.

McDermott would appear ready to launch another effort to re-sign Becchio after Norwich blocked his initial attempts. The former Barcelona B forward spent four and a half relatively successful seasons at Elland Road before signing for the Canaries on a three year deal in January, but has made just one appearance this season, coming on as a late substitute in his club's Capital One Cup victory over Bury.

With Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper and Johan Elmander firmly ahead of the Argentine in the pecking order at Carrow Road, the player is likely to seek a move for himself in January.