Leeds United defender Rui Marques snubbed a move to Athletic at the eleventh hour. The Latics and Leeds had agreed terms for a one-month loan when Portugese star Marques said he wouldn’t commit himself without consulting his agent. Marques found himself on the sidelines at Elland Road and only made one appearance, ironically against the Latics in the Carling Cup. Ronnie Moore commented, “The deal was done with Leeds after we spoke to their manager, Kevin Blackwell, and sorted out all the details. I’ve seen Marques play and he’s a decent defender, but he must have been advised not to sign for us. That one looks dead now, so we’ll carry on looking and hope to get someone in by the end of this week. It’s difficult because the transfer window has changed things. Clubs don’t want their experienced lads on longer-term loans because they can’t recall them until the window opens in January.”