Roeder working hard on loan deal

David Cuffley City boss Glenn Roeder has not given hope of bringing in another loan signing before tonight's deadline - but time is running out.The Canaries have until 5pm to bring in any further temporary recruits, after which they must wait until the January transfer window opens before adding to their squad.

David Cuffley

City boss Glenn Roeder has not given hope of bringing in another loan signing before tonight's deadline - but time is running out.

The Canaries have until 5pm to bring in any further temporary recruits, after which they must wait until the January transfer window opens before adding to their squad.

"I wouldn't rule it out, I wouldn't rule it in. We are still working at it. There is a chance but it must be by five o'clock," said Roeder.

While City are most stretched in defence with Dejan Stefanovic set for an operation today on knee ligament damage - ruling him out for the rest of the season - and both Ryan Bertrand and Elliott Omozusi nursing injuries, they may also look at their attacking options.

Leroy Lita's existing loan from Reading could be extended, if both clubs agree, after the game at home to Ipswich on December 7 because he is already playing for City. But Roeder said: "It's not inconceivable that we'll be looking at a striker as well because we don't know what's going to happen after the game against Ipswich, which Leroy can play in.

"It depends on what Reading do because they have instant recall. They could ring up this afternoon and say they want him back and that's it, he's out of the Sheffield Wednesday game. That's how we're operating this year. That's how we're having to operate. That would be one down side on loan players."

Newcastle's Canadian centre-half David Edgar, well known to Roeder, has left the door open for a loan move by saying: "The deadline is coming up and we'll see what happens but it will be good experience."

But the City boss said last week that 21-year-old Edgar was "not in my mind at the moment" and Burnley are also reported to be interested. Defender Jonathan Grounds, whose scheduled three-month loan with City was cut short in October when Middlesbrough recalled him, was not an option, said Roeder.

"I would have loved to have had him all year, never mind a three-month emergency loan which he didn't get to complete," said Roeder. "He is an excellent young player, a Premiership player, but he won't be coming back today."