LEEDS United boss Brian McDermott is prepared to take on the pain of the January transfer window to beef up the support for top striker Ross McCormack.

In the wake of the New Year’s Day defeat at home to Blackburn, McDermott re-affirmed his intention to bring in new recruits over the next month.

And among his priorities will be another forward to take the pressure off leading marksman McCormack.

Said McDermott: “I’ve spoken to a couple (of players) already so that would be good if we could do something.

“There are a number of players that I have been talking to but it is so difficult to nail teams down to make decisions and sell players.

“Not many teams want to sell their players in the January window. It is a difficult window.”

Added the United boss: “Can we get someone in that will make the difference for us? That is what we are looking for.

“We need to take the pressure off Ross McCormack. Ross has scored a lot of goals but we need to take that pressure off him.

“You have to buy players for today and for the future – that is really important.

“It is not just the case of signing five or six players just because you can. You have to bring in players that are going to make a difference now and will be of value in the future.”

McDermott’s intention too is to get his transfer business done sooner rather than later to avoid the traditional end of January scramble.

Leeds take a break from Championship duty tomorrow when they head for a third round tie at Rochdale as the Elland Road men start their FA Cup campaign.

The manager acknowledged he was extracting the maximum in effort from his current squad, further advancing the need for fresh blood.

Said McDermott said: “We need players who know the level and have played in this league before. We know that and we have to try to find them.

“If we reflect we are eighth in the league so let’s try to do something. January can be important for us.”

McDermott is trying to make the best of his current lot but accepts the players have little more to give him.

“We are looking a bit leg-weary but we are squeezing all we can out of the players and they are doing all they can,” he added.