McDermott: McCarthy permanent not going to happen

Reading manager Brian McDermott has reiterated that on-loan goalkeeper Alex McCarthy will not make a permanent transfer to Leeds United in the January transfer window.

The England U21 international extended his loan spell at Elland Road by a further month after some fine performances in the jersey but McDermott is keen to keep the 22-year old.

McDermott told the ReadingChronicle: 'Absolutely no chance whatsoever [of a permanent move] It's not even worth discussing. Alex is playing for them on loan at the moment, but that's all. It works for both them and most importantly for Alex.'

McCarthy has previously stated his frustration at not being given first-team football, with fine consistant performances from Adam Federici keeping the academy graduate on the bench.

The stopper was also ineligible for Leeds on Saturday as they were facing his parent club, in a game which Leeds lost 1-0. Andy Lonergan deputised in goal and questions were asked of him for Church`s second minute winner.

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