Buckley joins Leeds United on loan

Sky Bet Championship side Leeds United F.C. have completed the signing of Sunderland winger Will Buckley on an emergency loan deal until 2 January 2016.

Buckley, who joined Sunderland from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal believed to be worth £2.5 million in the summer of 2014, trained with Leeds this week and was able to complete the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City at Elland Road.

“I wanted to go out and get some games at a big club and Leeds was the perfect opportunity for me to do that,” Buckley told the club’s official website.

“There was interest in the summer but after the transfer window closed Leeds were still there and they showed they were keen to get me.

“I was keen to come here and eventually it got sorted out, which I was pleased about.

“Even though the loan deal didn’t start until this week, I was glad to get with the lads and get training. It feels like a fresh start for me.

“I’ve got a point to prove that I can get back to the Premier League. To play games and to perform well is my aim now.”

At the moment, Leeds (2-5-3) are in 16th-place in the Championship table. But only Preston North End, who currently sit second-bottom, have scored fewer goals (7) than the Peacocks (9) this season.

Buckley’s arrival gives manager Uwe Rosler another viable option on the wing, and will serve to boost the Peacocks faint hopes of reaching the promotion play-offs.

“We have some real options in the wide areas now and some good competition for places,” Rosler added.

“Will used his first week to get to know everybody, the players, the coaches and the place.

“He’s made a good impression. I think he’s settled into the group quickly.

“You can see the quality he’s got. He’s an established, well-known player who knows the Championship.

“He has been in the Premier League. You can see the way he moves, the way he passes, his speed and his touches – these are all qualities that we were looking to improve in our squad.”

Leeds United are back by the bookmakers at 25/1 to earn promotion to the English Premier League this season.

Love to Wigan

Meanwhile, in other news, Manchester United have loaned Scotland Under-21 international defender Donald Love to Wigan Athletic for the next two months.

Love, 20, signed for United in 2013, but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils.

The Latics’ move for the 20-year-old defender comes as a result of Everton’s decision to recall loanee Jonjoe Kenny from the DW Stadium.

“We needed to fill this gap in the squad,” confirmed Wigan manager Gary Caldwell.

“Jonjoe’s departure and the long-term injury to Kevin McNaughton has left a gap in the squad for a specialist right-sided defender and in that respect Donald fits the bill.

“He’s a young player still learning but we have had him watched and we believe he has immense potential. He’s quick, strong and can play in several different positions defensively. Let’s hope he can start realising some of that potential here.”