Graham Smyth says Leeds now want to keep defender, transfer was expected to go through this week

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United are not currently open to the sale of defender Leo Hjelde this summer.

That is according to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, who says contrary to reports in Italy, nothing is imminent regarding an exit for the 19-year-old.

As per Gianluca Di Marzio late on Tuesday night, it was reported that Hjelde was one of four players closing in on a move to Serie A side Salernitana.

In fact, it was suggested that a deal could be wrapped up as early as tomorrow, though Smyth has moved to dismiss those reports.

Hjelde is currently just one of two players at the club capable of playing left-back who are available, with summer signing Sam Byram also able to play there, though both are better in other positions in the backline.

Leeds not currently open to Hjelde exit despite reports

After the signing of Byram, it remains to be seen whether Leeds pursue another move for a left-back with Junior Firpo still at the club.

Firpo had been expected to leave Elland Road in the wake of Leeds’ relegation but due to an injury, that has seen him miss the entirety of Daniel Farke’s reign so far, nothing has materialsed.

In his absence, Hjelde was handed the opportunity to stake a claim in Leeds‘ opening two matches of the season in all competitions, but was hauled off at half time in both due to sub-par performances.

Hjelde will undoubtedly spend the bulk of his prime years as a footballer at centre-back, but at this stage, Leeds can ill afford to lose anymore players, particularly at left-back.

So unless Leeds are able to bring in another body or two in that area of the field, it is difficult to see how they could sanction an exit for Hjelde.