Leeds United: Twin signings as Evans eyes Celtic striker

Celtic's Anthony Stokes is being linked with Leeds.

Glasgow-born twins striker Jack and central defender Paul McKay, who have recently been on trial at West Ham, have penned two-and-a-half-year deals and are expected to develop with the Under-21s.

Jack said: “It’s a massive club. As soon as I heard Leeds wanted to bring us here, I said ‘yes’ straight away. I’ve played with my brother for a long time and we know each other’s game well.

“It works especially well with him being at the back and me being up front. I can make runs and I don’t even have to call for the ball from him.”

Of more pressing concern, Evans knows he need to increase his fire-power if Leeds are to challenge for a Championship play-off position and could have found the answer in Celtic’s Anthony Stokes.

The out-of-favour Republic of Ireland striker, 27, is wanted on loan by both former clubs Hibs and Inverness but Leeds could also make a late move to secure his services.

Evans is also said to be keen on £1m-rated Celtic midfield player Tom Rogic but any hopes of signing Aberdeen goaleeper Danny Rogers look over after Liverpool recalled Danny Ward from Pittodrie.

Stokes has been at Celtic since moving from Hibs for £1.2m in August, 2010 and, having scored 58 goals in 135 appearances, could be the man Evans is looking for.

Leeds had shown interest in England striker Peter Crouch, who, however, now says he wants to fight for his place at Stoke, having scored in Saturday’s FA Cup third round win at Doncaster.

A move for Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty by Leeds has also fallen by the wayside after the Canaries refused a loan move as opposed to a permanent deal.

Norwich’s £8m sale of former Rotherham United striker Lewis Brabban to Bournemouth now means they are likely to retain Lafferty, especially with Gary Hooper expected to make permanent his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday.

Norwich have also cooled interest in Leeds star Sam Byram, who is out of contract in the summer, having recruited Portuguese right-back Ivo Pinto from Dinamo Zagreb.