LEEDS GUNNING FOR ED BOY

Championship: Tomorrow, 3pm

LEEDS are fighting to stop Eddie Nketiah following Jack Clarke through the exit door.

Tottenham have recalled Clarke, 19, early from his season-long loan because the teenage winger made just one Championship appearance as a substitute under Marcelo Bielsa.

And Arsenal could recall Nketiah (right), with the on-loan England Under-21 striker yet to start a league game for Leeds despite scoring five goals. Chief executive Angus Kinnear claims they are trying to persuade the Gunners to let Nketiah, 20, who is wanted on loan by Bristol City, stay ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Birmingham.

Kinnear said: “We are endeavouring to convince Eddie and the technical team at Arsenal that the coaching environment at Elland Road is still the best choice for his longterm development.”

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Championship: Tomorrow, 3pm

READING boss Mark Bowen refuses to give up on promotion despite a season of struggle.

The Royals sit in 15th place, 10 points off the play-offs, thanks to victories in their last two games over Derby and QPR.

But Bowen (right) is targeting a push towards the top six – starting at Preston tomorrow and Fulham on New Year’s Day.

He said: “I know if we keep putting points on the board we will get to the FA Cup weekend and be within touching distance of the top 10. Then who knows what will happen.

“I’ve always been an optimistic person. It’ll be a roller-coaster and we’re growing. If we focus, we’ll be a match for any team.”