Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann has lauded the success of Leeds United winger Mallik Wilks’s loan deal, claiming it has helped the club move forward in the transfer market.
The 21-year-old spent last season at Keepmoat Stadium, chipping in with 16 goals and nine assists in all competitions, as Rovers ended the season sixth in League One.
Like the Whites, Wilks suffered his own play-off misery as Doncaster lost on penalties to Charlton Athletic, before the Addicks went on to seal promotion against Sunderland.
The success of the Whites youngster’s loan has stood Rovers in good stead with some of the UK’s top clubs, according to McCann, as they look to bolster their squad for another Championship promotion tilt.
Herbie Kane also excelled on loan at the Keepmoat, on loan from Liverpool, last season.
He said: “The amount of phone calls I’ve had from Premier League clubs and some of the big clubs in Scotland about loaning their players has been incredible.
“Hopefully we can build a decent reputation for ourselves, and have a look at what Mallik and Herbie did here.”
He added: “These two boys came in and no one knew them, everyone was wondering what to expect.
“They went from strength to strength and now everyone is after them, it gives you a sense of pride in the job.”
Wilks’s League One success has sparked discussion amongst supporters as to whether he can earn a spot in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad next season.
United are in need of new blood in wide areas, which could give Wilks a chance to stake a claim in pre-season.
Helder Costa has been linked with a move to Elland Road recently, although the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger’s signature will be heavily sought after this summer.
It’s fair to say McCann was certainly a fan. The former Peterborough United boss claimed Wilks has all the attributes to play in the Championship.
“I think he’s got stronger. He’s got more belief in himself. He started the season well, but then we’d get maybe one or two good games out of him or he'd be not so good and then come back again,” he told the Doncaster Free Press in March, after Wilks’s fine run of form.
"It was like that for a long time, but now he has started to perform at a consistent level.
"This is what I expected we would get from him, but I think he can be better. The lad has got everything to play in the Championship, whether that's with Leeds, us or somebody else. He’s got all the attributes.”
