Grella made two substitute appearances for Leeds this term

Motherwell's proposed loan signing of Leeds United striker Mike Grella has fallen through because he has already played for two clubs this season.

The Scottish Premier League club announced the transfer on Thursday along with a similar deal for veteran Walsall winger Steve Jones.

But 24 hours later, they admitted that they had been thwarted by Fifa rules.

Grella made two substitute appearances for Leeds, playing 33 minutes, before joining Carlisle United on loan.

Motherwell chief executive Leeann Dempster told her club's website: "Motherwell Football Club have benefited from the Fifa cross-border rules in previous years.

"However, in this instance, things have worked against us, which is extremely disappointing.

"Our focus now is to provide Stuart McCall with all the tools he needs to bring in additional players."

McCall, who previously managed Bradford City, must now continue his search for strikers, having lost two forwards from the squad he inherited from Craig Brown.

Nick Blackman followed Brown to Aberdeen on loan from Blackburn Rovers despite Well's attempts to extend his stay at Fir Park.

And Alan Gow joined Notts County at the end of his short-term contract.

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