Leeds United join Everton in race to sign English star playing in Belgium, but there’s a big problem

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Leeds United are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on English defender Archie Brown as he impresses in Belgium with Gent – but there’s a problem; Brown cannot sign until the summer.

Brown, 21, has clocked up 18 outings for Gent since joining the club in the summer from Lausanne. He’s played a key role in helping Gent qualify for the knockout stages of the Conference League, this season.

It comes after swapping Derby for Lausanne back in the summer of 2021. He has since become a key part of Gent’s side at left-back, and in the middle. That has attracted interest from many English clubs.

The Mail now say that Everton, Burnley and Leeds are all keeping tabs on the Birmingham-born star. But, there is a problem – and it prevents any club in Europe signing him in January, under FIFA’s ruling.

It is because Brown had played three times for Lausanne before moving to Gent, playing another 18 times this term. FIFA rules state you cannot play for three clubs in one season. A summer target, then.

Leeds one of a number of clubs eyeing Gent’s Archie Brown

So, there is a chance that Brown could be the long-term answer on the left side of the Leeds defence – while also offering cover for Liam Cooper, who will leave Leeds at the end of 2023-24, as things stand.

Is he good enough? Is Belgian football a good enough benchmark for Brown to prove himself before a move to Leeds? Perhaps, it is a bit of a risky move – and a move will depend on how much Gent want.

But as things stand, Leeds will not be able to sign Brown until the summer anyway. Plenty of time for things to change. Brown will surely see his future in English football – but who with, remains to be seen.