Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton has confirmed that he is interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Robbie Gotts on loan. 

Friday's deadline for domestic transfers is creeping ever closer but it appears the Imps are keen land the 20-year-old before the window shuts.

Lincoln are one of a number of sides linked with a move for Gotts and, speaking to Lincolnshire Live earlier today, Appleton reiterated his interest in signing the Leeds player.

He said: "There are three of four with different clubs, who potentially we may look to do something just to make sure the squad is more than capable of getting through to January when the window shuts this week – and Robbie is one of those.

"But I am guessing there are numerous clubs in the race. The problem we have got is the finances, it’s one of them where unless it’s next to nothing – or nothing – in terms of allowing us to give players exposure and getting them into a first team environment with little cost to us, then obviously we are not going to be able to do it.

“But if that is the case then we would love to give the opportunity to a young player and hopefully build a relationship.

“Robbie is obviously somebody we are aware of but I am sure there are probably four or five other clubs at this moment in time who want the same thing.”

Reports have indicated that Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic, Hull City, and Swindon Town are also keen on signing the Whites midfielder but Doncaster Rovers are thought to no longer be interested.

Gotts was handed his debut by Marcelo Bielsa last season and started in Leeds defeat to Hull in the Carabao Cup earlier this year but it is understood the Yorkshire club have made him available for a loan move.

Much of Lincoln's summer business has been in the loan market with Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson, West Bromwich Albion trio Jamie Soule, Alex Palmer and Callum Norton, and Tottenham's Timothy Eyoma all joining the club on temporary deals.

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The Verdict

Lincoln have made a number of smart loan signings this summer but Gotts would arguably be the finest should they land him.

The 20-year-old looks a really bright prospect and it's no wonder there are a string of EFL clubs keen.

Given the interest, it's going to be very interesting to see where Gotts ends up by Friday.