JOHN OSTER is delighted that his spell on loan from Sunderland to Leeds United has been extended by a month.

The 25-year-old winger has played five games since arriving at Elland Road and was due to complete his month's loan against Leicester City this Saturday before the clubs agreed an extension.

Part of the deal is that Oster won't be allowed to play against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day, but the ex-Grimsby and Everton winger can stay until after Leeds' game at Coventry on January 3.

He said: "After the early weeks of the season I wasn't getting a game at Sunderland so I was pleased when Leeds signed me on loan and I'm glad to be staying on longer.

"It's fantastic to be wanted. I just want to play football and if that means being here, getting my chance and playing week in, week out, I am more than happy."

Oster's move could be made permanent if Norman Stubbs' consortium completes an expected £10million cash injection into the club, with Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell set to receive a £3million transfer kitty.

Negotiations are said to be going well and hopes are high that a deal could be agreed between the consortium and the Leeds board next week.

Updated: 10:31 Thursday, December 02, 2004