It's been reported that Dale are "desperate" for former loan striker David Ball to return to Spotland ahead of Thursday's loan deadline. 

Speculation about a return to Rochdale for Ball started at the weekend, when the Peterborough striker was in attendance at Dale's away win at Preston North End. 

That continued with one of those wonderful "SkySports understands..." stories appeared on Wednesday, linking Dale with a second move for Ball. According to their article, we face competition for his signature from Preston, Yeovil and Aberdeen, but his previous spell with the club and history of working under Steve Eyre could put us in the driving seat.

Ball's spell at Spotland was one of the highlights of the season with his month long loan seeing a return of four goals in eight games, and previously to Saturday's victory, he featured in all of Dale's League victories this season.

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