Reading join chase for Iron hotshot

Last updated : 03 December 2003 By Luke Thornhill
21-year-old MacLean has plundered 17 goals this season while on loan with United from Scottish giants Rangers, including three hat-tricks, but Iron manager Brian Laws is facing increased pressure for his services when his loan deal expires in the New Year.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish has indicated that he will recall the young forward if he is unable to strengthen his attacking options during the January transfer window, while Laws was in Glasgow today trying to argue the value of regular first team football in the English Third Division.

MacLean himself has gone on record saying that he will happily return to Ibrox, but only if he is given an opportunity to prove himself in the first team.

The biggest threat may come from First Division outfits Norwich City and Reading, both of whom are now preparing to try and take the young Scot on loan until the end of the season - arguing that First Division football will benefit him more than Third Division football.

There are other factors than just standard of football, with a young family for MacLean to think about, but ultimately the power all lies with Alex McLeish.