The Silkmen have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Leeds United striker Tom Elliot. The eighteen year old, who has represented England at U18 level, was due to arrive at the Moss Rose today to put pen to paper on an initial one month loan deal.

However the youngster has picked up a hamstring injury with has meant the deal has been put on ice for the time being.

"It's disappointing news," said Keith Alexander. "Having seen Tom play a few times for Leeds' reserve team he would have been a very useful acquisition for us. But having picked up the injury, coupled with doubt as to its severity it wasn't right to continue at this stage."

The club is now in discussions with a Championship club with a view to securing the services of another young striker before the trip to Aldershot at the weekend.