Doncaster Rovers sign Leeds United forward on loan

Doncaster Rovers have secured the signing of forward Mallik Wilks on a six-month loan deal from Leeds United.
New Doncaster Rovers signing Mallik WilksNew Doncaster Rovers signing Mallik Wilks
New Doncaster Rovers signing Mallik Wilks

The 19-year-old becomes Grant McCann’s second signing as Rovers boss, following on from Ali Crawford who joined on Tuesday.

And Wilks believes McCann can get the best out of him while helping guide Rovers to promotion to the Championship.

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“The gaffer came to watch me last season whilst I was at Accrington and he was at Peterborough, so I knew he had been after me for a while," Wilks said.

"He is a good manager and I know he will get the best out of me.

“I see Doncaster getting promotion to the Championship and I want to play a part in that, I won the league with Accrington last season and I want to keep progressing.

“Doncaster Rovers are a real community club and I am delighted to be here.”

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Wilks signed a new four-year contract at Elland Road last summer and has made one senior appearance so far for the West Yorkshire side.

He spent the first half of last season on loan with eventual League Two champions Accrington Stanley, scoring five goals in 23 appearances.

He finished the season on loan with Grimsby Town, making six appearances without scoring, with his time disrupted by a hamstring injury.

Boss Grant was hopeful of securing a deal for Wilks this week and believes the youngster will add pace and competition to his three-man front line.

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“He’s going to give us the in-behind pace that I think you definitely need in this league," McCann said.

“I’ve got John Marquis who likes to go that way, but can go the other way.

“Alex Kiwomya can run. Alfie Beestin likes to come short. Alfie May likes to go behind.

“We want to have a mixture of all of those strengths and he would add to that."

Wilks hit the headlines last January after making his Leeds debut in the FA Cup against Sutton United, just three days after his brother Raheem was murdered.