Many Leeds fans will have forgotten about a certain young striker who was sent out on loan in the summer, but he could have a big future at the club, should he impress with Doncaster this season.
Doncaster are well in the hunt for the play-off places heading into the festive period, with Donny just two points behind Charlton, who currently occupy the last play-off place.
On-loan striker Malik Wilks has played his part for Rovers, scoring four times in 20 appearances in League One this season.
Rovers boss Grant McCann has revealed the positive impact that Wilks has had on the Doncaster team as they mount their challenge for promotion to the Championship this season.
"We love Mallik here, he has brought so much to us here," McCann admitted in an interview with the Doncaster Free Press.
"He may not have scored as many goals as he would have wanted but he's a threat and he takes a lot of burden off John Marquis with his physicality.
"And for the way we play - we always like to play with one with pace, John and a clever one so we've got the balance right."
The Doncaster boss also revealed that Leeds have offered Wilks a new deal, but even if he turns down the deal in favour of letting his contract expire in the summer, Doncaster will be able to have Wilks' loan deal run to the end of the season.
"It's been agreed for Mallik," McCann said. "We just need to make sure we rubber-stamp it. Hopefully that'll be done.
"I think he has been offered a new deal there. Leeds are happy for us to go ahead."
McCann also stated that Marcelo Bielsa's team are happy for the loan to be extended after a conversation with CEO, Gavin Baldwin:
"That is the conversation I've had with Gavin (Baldwin, CEO) – that Leeds are happy for us to go ahead with it."
Wilks will be hoping to play a starring role in the rest of Doncaster's season as they challenge for a top six finish, starting with a positive result against Bristol Rovers this weekend.
The Verdict
It's no surprise to see McCann hoping to extend Wilks' current loan deal.
I find it hard to believe that the youngster has much of a future at Leeds, especially if Marcelo Bielsa's side are to win promotion to the Premier League this season, with the 19-year-old likely to find first-team opportunities hard to come by.
He can certainly have a positive impact for Doncaster for the remainder of the season, though.
Thoughts? Let us know!
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