"It's difficult for Ross but he's got his head down in training and he'll be an option between now and the end of the season," said Simon Grayson when asked about the player's status a week ago.
McCormack cost Leeds around £350,000 when he signed in August, but has found first-team chances limited.
He has started only four matches for the Whites and has not even made the bench during the past fortnight.
Derby County are also tracking the Scot, but unless Leeds change their mind about the player's availability - ahead of Thursday's deadline for loan signings - he looks to be staying put.