Leeds United have been beaten to the signature of Japan star Daiki Hashioka by Luton Town, HITC Football understands.
The Premier League outfit have stepped in with a permanent deal for the Sint-Truiden fullback after the Championship side held talks over a potential loan deal with an option.
It now means Leeds United, who are sitting fourth in the Championship table, will have to look for other right-back options before the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday.
Sources have told HITC Football that Burnley’s Connor Roberts, who won promotion to the Premier League last season under Vincent Kompany, and Liverpool youngster Calvin Ramsay, are other options.
With loanee Djed Spence heading back to Tottenham Hotspur and moving to Italian side Genoa, as well as the exit of Luke Ayling after he joined Middlesbrough on a loan deal, it does leave Daniel Farke light in that department.
Leeds have also agreed to move another defender out of the club with youngster Leo Hjelde close to sealing a move to Sunderland.
Archie Gray at right-back
The fact that Farke has had to resort to playing 17-year-old Archie Gray at right-back this season further proves that a fullback needs to be signed.
For his age, the Elland Road academy product is having a remarkable season and living up to his legendary family name.
But bringing in that right-back will allow the promotion-chasers to boost their options at the back, as well as in the middle of the park and during such a crucial time of the season.
Yes, second-placed Ipswich Town have played a game less, but only two points separate Leeds and the Tractor Boys, as this race for automatic promotion is nowhere near over.
Will Leeds United return to the Premier League?
The club’s relegation was just pure disaster from top to bottom and it filtered its way through the start of their Championship campaign.
Come the end of the season, that chaos at the start might have cost them because it wouldn’t be a surprise if this race for the automatics goes to the final week.
Leeds have the firepower to take it that far, but so do third-placed Southampton.
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