Leeds United are on the verge of agreeing a fee for Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Forshaw after lengthy talks with their promotion rivals, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper report that the Whites are hopeful of agreeing a deal in time for Saturday’s Championship clash with Millwall.
The Post claim that positive talks over the last 24 hours have seen Leeds steal a march on Cardiff for Forshaw, who prefers a move to Elland Road, after “hijacking” the bid of their rivals.
It is said that the door will soon be open for the 26-year-old to agree personal terms and undergo a medical with the club.
Leeds are currently sitting in seventh on 43 points, with Boro just behind them in ninth with 41 points.
United have signed five players already this month, Belgian De Bock, Japan midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, who has moved to Spanish club Cultural Leonesa on loan for the rest of the season, Finnish centre-back Aapo Halme, striker Oliver Sarkic and goalkeeper Kamil Miazek.
Good move for Leeds United?
This is a shrewd move from the Whites, who were actually expected to pursue Forshaw’s teammate Adam Clayton.
Clayton would have no doubt cost the club a bigger fee than Forshaw, who is out of favour at Boro under Tony Pulis.
Recent games have highlighted the need for reinforcements in central midfield at Leeds, especially with Eunan O’Kane set for a three-match ban after headbutting an opponent.
Forshaw is a solid midfielder with all-round ability, who has experience in the Premier League with Middlesbrough last year, and £2.5million looks a snip for such a player.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
This one looks to be coming to a conclusion.
The two clubs are said to be close on a fee, and that just leaves personal terms to be agreed and a medical to be completed.
Leeds should have no problem wrapping this one up before their match on Saturday.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10