West Bromwich Albion secured a triple deal as Leeds’ deal collapsed.
Leeds United’s deal for Swansea City’s Dan James collapsed at the transfer deadline, with the Welsh side announcing terms could not be agreed.
Moments later Leeds’ promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion announced a triple transfer swoop, confirming deals for Jacob Murphy, Stefan Johansen and Jefferson Montero.
It was a masterclass from the Baggies and could be significant in the promotion chase.
Murphy and Johansen arrive from Premier League sides Newcastle and Fulham and Montero from Swansea. All three were loan deals.
Leeds only had one target, and paid the price for not looking at alternatives when the deal collapsed.
Perhaps West Brom did not expect all three to come off, and ended up with all of them, but they are stronger for it.
Johansen was claimed by Teamtalk, to be on Leeds’ radar, with Montero reported by The Sun (13/1 p59) to be wanted by the Whites also.
Leeds evidently chose not to push for either, and now they are with the team who beat them 4-1 in November.
In the Championship table as it stands, Leeds are top, with West Brom fourth, seven points back and a game in hand.
With the two teams set to play again, and a third of the season still remaining, the stark contrasts of the two teams’ deadline days could be significant in the promotion chase.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
