Leeds United have been dealt a frustrating blow in their pursuit of Watford striker Andre Gray. 

It had previously been claimed by Football Insider, that the Whites were interested in signing the Hornets forward on loan, with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season.

But they've been dealt an irritating blow to that potential deal, with Phil Hay revealing on The Phil Hay Show podcast, that Watford boss Nigel Pearson is keeping Gray in his plans for the first team for the rest of this year's campaign.

Leeds only have one recognised senior striker on their books at the moment in Patrick Bamford, who has struggled for consistency at times this season.

Eddie Nketiah had been Marcelo Bielsa's second-choice striker, but the youngster was recalled early from his loan spell at Elland Road by Arsenal earlier this month.

Leeds are currently sat second in the Championship table, and will be hoping they can make a long-awaited return to the Premier League this term.

The Whites are without a win in their last three games though, which will be a concern as they promotion-chasing pack close in on Bielsa's men.

So, the Elland Road faithful will be hoping that their side can get a striker in through the door before the January transfer window concludes in one week.

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The Verdict:

This will be a real blow for Leeds.

Gray was clearly a target that Marcelo Bielsa was keen to have in his squad for the remainder of this year's campaign, but Pearson's latest stance seems to suggest that the Whites need to turn their attentions elsewhere.

They're running out of time though, as the deadline for transfers to be completed is in a week, which means that it's set to be a frantic end to the transfer window for Leeds once again.

You have to question as to why they have taken so long in trying to sign a striker this month, and if they don't get one over the line, then I wouldn't be surprised to see them fall out of the top-two in the Championship this season.