Leeds United look set to miss out on one of their left-back targets to Hull City.
The Whites are in the market for full-backs on both sides of the pitch but are so far yet to make any new signings this month, and it appears their frustration could go on.
Daniel Farke confirmed as early as mid-December that his squad could do with another left-back, with both Junior Firpo and Sam Byram having struggled with injuries over the course of the season.
Farke was asked about Luton Town’s Ryan Giles in his press conference a couple of weeks ago, while Tottenham’s Ben Davies and Rangers’ Borna Barisic have also been linked.
But according to the Daily Mail, Leeds are now set to lose out in the race for Giles to Hull City, who are close to signing him on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.
Hull City set to win Giles race
Having only move to Luton for £5 million in the summer, the Mail also reports the two clubs are keen to strike an agreement for a £4.25 million obligation-to-buy at the end of the season.
The Tigers had moved to the front of the queue for Giles earlier this week amid competition from both Leeds and Cardiff City. They are ready to offer him more regular minutes.
As was the case when Hull City beat Leeds to the signing of Fabio Carvalho, guaranteed game time appears to have been the key to moving ahead in the race for Giles.
Though Firpo and Byram have struggled with injuries, Giles may find it difficult to start week in, week out at Elland Road when both are fit.
Byram enjoyed a superb first half of the season before fitness issues struck, while Firpo has had a great start to the New Year since coming into the team, with four assists in as many matches.
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