Gossip Column (11/01/16): Leeds target ready to quit current club, Sheffield Wednesday near Mark Davies signing, Rotherham duo told time at club is over

Leeds United were criticised last week by Stoke City manager Mark Hughes for their pursuit of Peter Crouch, but now the former England international admits he is keen to leave Stoke if he does not get first team opportunities.

“If I can’t play then maybe I do have to move on,” Crouch said.

“I played 33 or 34 Premier League games last season so to have not featured this season has been very frustrating but all I can do is try to take opportunities when I’m given them and try to force my way back in.

“There have been times when it’s been hard. When you’re running on the pitch after games, you’ve been watching but haven’t been part of it.

“You say that you’re part of it, of course, but it doesn’t feel like it at times.”

Sheffield Wednesday are on the cusp of signing Mark Davies from Bolton, according to Wanderers manager Neil Lennon.

The former Celtic chief told Radio Five that the embattled club are nearing the sale of the midfielder and teammate Zach Clough.

Rotherham United have told both Greg Halford and Jordan Bowery that their careers at the New York Stadium are over.

Halford was a marquee summer signing but left the club on loan in November. Birmingham City expressed no interest in extending that temporary switch.

Bowery was once Rotherham’s record signing, costing £250,000, but he has also had an unsuccessful loan spell at Bradford over the last few months.

Neil Redfearn said: “Greg is not in our plans. He needs to go and look somewhere else if he is to prolong his career.

“He needs to go and find another club and the same with Jordan Bowery.

“That’s football. Players come in, players go out and these two players need to go and find new clubs. Hopefully somebody comes in for them.

“I’m not knocking them as lads, they’re good lads, but they just need to move on. We need to get better in.”

Bradford City are thought to be keen on signing former Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny. Kilkenny currently plays for Preston North End but has found first team opportunities limited this season, something that will only worsen once Preston confirm the acquisition of Ben Pearson from Manchester United.