Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde are now expected to stay at Leeds United beyond the deadline.
That is according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, who says while both have had interest in their services, exits are now looking unlikely.
It is said that Bate had been attracting interest from League One side Fleetwood Town but at this stage, that move does not look as though it will be completed.
Bate spent last season on loan in that division at Oxford United, but could now end up being Leeds’ fifth choice midfielder at least until January after the arrivals of Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev on Thursday.
Leeds, meanwhile, had also been open to offers for Hjelde before tonight’s deadline, but interest in his services has not firmed up and so he could also stay.
Bate and Hjelde set to stay at Leeds
Particularly from Bate’s point of view, this will no doubt be a frustrating turn of events for him as minutes are going to be really few and far between given the options ahead of him.
It is likely Bate will spend the majority of the season in the U21s, which will be no good for his development as he is already too good for that level.
At the same time, keeping Hjelde could be a minor blessing in disguise for Leeds as it appears unlikely they will be bringing in another left-back.
Hjelde has struggled in the three appearances he has made in that position so far this season but at least it’s another option for the squad in a position where Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are both out injured.
Of the youngsters on the fringe of the first team, Darko Gyabi looks the most likely to leave on loan.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
