Leeds United are preparing a bid for Luton right-back James Justin as they look to immediately replace the injured Luke Ayling, according to Football Insider.
The reliable football news site claim that United are ready to make a move for the teenage defender, 18, after losing Ayling for the rest of the season.
Football Insider report that Leeds are ready to table an offer to League Two leaders Luton to land Justin before the transfer window shuts this month.
It is said they have watched him on several occasions this season for Luton, who are four points clear at the top of the fourth tier.
Nottingham Forest had bids for Justin rejected last summer and he was handed a new deal by Luton before the start of the season to fend off the growing interest in his services.
Good move for Leeds?
Justin is an England Under-20 international and a rising star. He has already accumulated 55 Luton appearances after bursting onto the scene during the 2016/17 season and appears destined for the top. It is some achievement to be a first-team regular for a division-topping side at such a tender age. But Leeds’ pursuit of Justin is not entirely logical, even though 2017-18 Championship ever-present Ayling has already undergone ankle surgery and is not expected to play again this season. Leeds are well stocked for right-backs, with Gaetano Berardi and Vurnon Anita proven performers in that competition, and new left-back Laurens De Bock was signed today from Club Brugges.
This Is Futbol rating 5//10
Likely to happen?
Football Insider are a reliable source of Leeds news, breaking the story in November that striker Jack Clarke had been handed a new deal. Luton appear keen to keep Justin, but if United make a concerted pursuit, it will be difficult for them to keep hold of the youngster.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10