Spurs were also lining up a move for a midfield player, believed to be Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid, before the transfer window slammed shut with Jermain Defoe installed as the North London club's major capture.
"Paul Robinson was given permission to speak to us," revealed Pleat. "He had a medical and we spoke as far as we can go but The Premier League felt, because of various complications with the Leeds scenario, they couldn't sanction it.
"He now had to report back to Leeds. We were more than happy to do this suggestion, we're more than happy with Kasey Keller's performances but felt we want competition. We have a good, young keeper in Robert Burch who we want to loan out.
"I would expect Robinson to come in the summer. We didn't want to jeopardise Leeds. It was a hard one.
"There's a kind of sympathetic feeling for Leeds even though they put themselves in the situation. There's a general camaraderie in football and we don't want to see them shorn of players at this time.
"One or two deals were suggested to Leeds. We wanted them to have the money now but keep the player but it was complicated due to registration.
"I'm confident, after everything that happened yesterday, that it will proceed."
Pleat also revealed that a deal was set up for a midfielder.
"A midfield player might have been considered," he added. "I think possibly that will be pursued in the summer."
