NEIL Redfearn is closing in on the appointment of Steve Thompson as his new assistant as Leeds head to Blackburn on Saturday with a huge army of supporters.

United head coach Redfearn has been searching for a right-hand man since being appointed as successor to Darko Milanic.

He confirmed he is close to finalising a deal to bring the Huddersfield assistant to Elland Road.

Redfearn said: “It's in the club's hands and we're almost there. There's a procedure and we have to do it right.”

Leeds will be backed by almost 7,000 fans at Ewood Park and Redfearn, who remains open to the prospect of players going in and out of the club before the loan window closes next Thursday, has a selection dilemma.

Giuseppe Bellusci is available again after a one-game but Redfearn is expected to keep faith Jason Pearce and Liam Cooper at the heart of his defence.

Midfielder Rudy Austin could feature after international duty with Jamaica while Billy Sharp and Tomasso Bianchi have also been passed fit.

After beating Blackpool last time out, Redfearn added: “Teams aren't sure what they are going to get when they face us.

“We have to reduce the difference between the maximums and minimums.”