Leeds United attacker departs the club on loan

Grimsby Town have completed the signing of Leeds United striker Mallik Wilks on a loan deal till the end of the season.

The 19-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan with Accrington, for whom he scored three goals from 19 appearances.

Wilks will be hoping to play as regularly as possible during the second half of the season and score more goals with a view to impressing the Whites hierarchy.

Though Leeds do need a new striker for the second half of the season, Wilks is perhaps not ready at this point in time, especially as the club cannot take a gamble on an inexperienced forward as they are attempting to revive their attempts to qualify for the promotion playoffs.

His performances will however have to improve if he wishes to one day don the jersey of the Whites first team on a regular basis.

Wilks has been assigned the number 18 jersey and becomes the third player to join Grimsby this month after they also signed Charles Vernam and goalkeeper Jake Kean.