Leeds United chase their first away win of the season at Watford tomorrow with manager Simon Grayson hoping Cardiff striker Ross McCormack will sign in time to join up with the squad.

Negotiations with McCor-mack’s advisors continued yesterday after the clubs agreed a fee but the player has yet to have a medical.

Grayson said: “The negotiations are on-going and are progressing well. There has been nothing negative so far.

“Trying to conclude a deal is never easy. We are hoping to agree personal terms and if that happens he will have a medical afterwards.

“The latest we can sign him to make him available at Watford is 12 o’clock on Saturday on an emergency loan, with a permanent signing on Monday, but ideally we would like to conclude the deal on a permanent basis before that.”

Grayson is not counting any chickens, as Watford’s John Eustace looked all set to sign for the club this summer and had talks at Thorpe Arch before the deal fell through.

At the time, Eustace rubbished reports that he had failed a medical and he is set to face United tomorrow looking to shoot down the club he almost joined.

If McCormack signs in time, his presence in the squad will reduce Davide Somma’s chances of retaining his place, despite scoring twice on his Championship debut against Millwall and once in the Carling Cup defeat against Leicester.

Sanchez Watt and Lloyd Sam, who were rested in midweek as they were carrying minor knocks, should be available and Grayson could restore skipper Richard Naylor to the defence and Kasper Schmeichel in goal.

Winger Max Gradel made an impressive return to the side on Tuesday night after his four-match suspension and he too will be hoping to face Watford, with competition for places heating up.