Leeds now set to miss out on midfield target as Championship rivals close in on loan deal

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Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Leeds United target Lewis O’Brien.

That is according to Alan Nixon, who provided the update on his Patreon earlier this afternoon, where he claimed Boro have emerged as ‘clear favourites’ to finalise a deal with Nottingham Forest.

Boro had been battling Leeds, Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the race for O’Brien but look set to win the race due to their commitment in getting a loan switch done.

It is said that Leeds have ‘began to back away’ from a deal for O’Brien in recent days after Nixon initially reported him as an Elland Road target last week.

However, since then a potential transfer has gone quiet, with Phil Hay claiming it would be a difficult deal to get done due to the salary he is on at Forest.

Boro set to beat Leeds to O’Brien

Leeds remain in the market for at least two new midfielders before the end of Friday’s deadline, but it now looks highly unlikely O’Brien will be one of them.

O’Brien will be a hugely impressive piece of business for Boro based on his track record in this league, with Michael Carrick’s side desperate for additions after a poor start to the season.

Leeds instead look to be focusing much of their attention elsewhere with Hay reporting an approach has been made for Werder Bremen’s Ilia Gruev.

Celtic’s Matt O’Riley and Rangers’ Glen Kamara are also two players on Leeds’ radar as they look to add a new number eight and 10.

Leeds now have just over 48 hours to complete any remaining business, of which there is expected to be plenty.