Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town are in the hunt to sign Leeds United left-back Laurens De Bock, according to the Sun on Sunday.
The newspaper has claimed via their print edition [Sunday 29 July, page 63] that Leeds are planning to let the 25-year-old leave on a temporary basis after they completed the signing of Barry Douglas from Wolves on Saturday.
De Bock was signed by United for £1.5million in January, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, but now it is understood that he will be third-choice left-back at Elland Road and is available to leave on loan.
North West club Fleetwood are believed to be interested in preventing him from a potential lack of football in the upcoming season.
Good move for Leeds?
De Bock has been a flop since joining Leeds from Club Brugge in January and it is no surprise that he will be shifted out after the club sign Douglas on Saturday.
The Belgian flyer made just seven appearances in all competitions for the Whites due to injury and the impressive form of youngster Tom Pearce, who looks as though he will not be leaving on loan and will be back-up to Douglas.
Fleetwood would be an odd move for De Bock, especially for someone with a lot of experience in top-flight football in Belgium.
But if Leeds can get him off the wagebill while preserving his market value, it’s a good move for them.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
It is difficult to see De Bock signing for Fleetwood, but it is likely that the 25-year-old will be offloaded by the Whites in one way or another this summer.
His shocker against Derby last season and self-admission that he struggles to concentrate in games are enough reasons to want to let him go.
The former Brugge man will go down as yet another Victor Orta flop.
This is Futbol rating 7/10