Yorkshire's mid-season review including Leeds United, Sheffield United and Bradford City - The YP FootballTalk Podcast
Lee Grant says he is not planning for life without Leo Castledine because he hopes what he is doing for the on-loan Chelsea youngster persuades him to stay at Huddersfield Town.
There were reports on Tuesday the Blues could recall their attacking midfielder amidst Championship interest, and perhaps sell the 20-year-old as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.
There is a break clause Chelsea would have to activate by a certain date in January, though Grant was unwilling to share it.
But he said there have been no talks between him or anyone else at the club with Chelsea and when asked if he was planning for the possibility of losing a player who has scored five goals in his last six games, he was adamant.
"No, no," he said. "That will be outside of our control if that happens.
"I would very much hope that Leo would see the value in everything we're giving him in terms of the coaching, the opportunity and the experience. I'd feel pretty secure in that."
The appointment of Chris Markham as director of football means he can spend less time dealing directly with Chelsea than in the summer.
"Chelsea are a really good club who appreciate the fantastic job we're doing with one of their players," said the manager. "They come and sit with me and watch training, the same with Villa (Zepiqueno Redmond’s parent club) and Leicester (Will Alves).
CHAMPIONSHIP INTEREST: On-loan Huddersfield Town midfielder Leo Castledine has been linked with a move away (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)placeholder image
CHAMPIONSHIP INTEREST: On-loan Huddersfield Town midfielder Leo Castledine has been linked with a move away (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
"Having Chris across several of these areas is really useful to me.
"It's much easier now I have that extra pair of hands to help me on those sort of things going into what's going to be an important month for this football club. Already I'm feeling the benefits of that."
"We've got a couple of days to see how that progresses,” said Grant. “It's a sore one, top of the foot, but nothing where I'd be unduly concerned."
CONFIDENCE: Lee Grant (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)placeholder image
CONFIDENCE: Lee Grant (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
There was good news on Alves and Redmond, who have made only five league appearances combined.
"We have Will Alves still pushing and working his way back in," said Grant, who has no new concerns.
"We should have him close to be ready for selection. Zeppi's working his way back really well.
"Mickel Miller and Marcus McGuane are on the grass but they're right at the beginning of their on-grass and with-team exposure."