Northampton Town beat clutch of clubs in England and Scotland to sign Leeds United youngster Ryan Edmondson

Keith Curle's side are the division's lowest goalscorers with 19 and only 12 of those have come from open play this season. A trio of players share leading goalscorer status with three apiece.

Northampton are not a side who often dominate possession, so chances have been few and far between. Edmondson proved prolific for Leeds Under 23s side last season and will need to be clinical with the chances that do come his way if he's to solve one of the Cobblers' key issues.

The former York City prospect, who signed a new three year deal at Elland Road earlier this season, spent the first half of it on loan at Aberdeen. But an injury early on in the spell saw him return to fitness at the same time as the Dons' main man up front, Sam Cosgrove, so game time became limited.

Aberdeen were initially planning to try and extend his stay, before a change in heart at the last minute. The financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the Dons hard and they need to get players out in order to make the signings they are prioritising this month.

Edmondson left Pittodrie having made just three starts in the Scottish Premiership, scoring two goals. But he also got the chance to play European football, with a cameo against Sporting CP in the Europa League.

A host of clubs were keen to take the 19-year-old for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign. The YEP understands Shrewsbury, Portsmouth and Bradford City all showed an interest south of the border, while St Johnstone and Hamilton wanted to bring him back to the Scottish Premiership to boost their survival chances.

Leeds have introduced financial penalty clauses in a number of the loan deals for their young players this season, to try and ensure they get the required game time and experience of senior football.