Leeds United are in the market for a couple of Premier League loans this month but they could well be about to lose out in the race for one of them.
The Whites have a far more difficult task than other sides at this level to convince Premier League clubs Elland Road is the best place to send them for their development.
Due to the quality across Daniel Farke‘s squad, Leeds are unable to offer guaranteed game time right away, as shown in January with their failed pursuit of Fabio Carvalho.
However, it certainly remains a market in which Championship teams have to target and Leeds are no different, regardless of how tough it may be.
Farke still has three positions in the squad he wants to strengthen before the end of the window, which are full-back, central midfield and winger.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke shares which Leeds United player he is working so closely with to improve right now
Leeds face defeat in Hugo Bueno race
49ers Enterprises have kept a tight ship this summer when it comes to transfer targets, though that does not stop the selling clubs from leaking news of Leeds’ interest.
Leeds are among a host of clubs keen on Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with a decision on his future expected this week. They have also made an offer for Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe.
FC Koln’s Dejan Ljubicic emerged as a target towards the end of last month, and while none of those would appear close to joining Leeds, one of their other targets could be about to be crossed off the list.
Leeds have been battling a host of clubs including Feyenoord and Celtic for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Hugo Bueno, and the winner of the race may not be far away.
Speaking on Voetbal International’s YouTube channel, Martijn Krabbendam says Feyenoord want a deal wrapped up as early as this week, meaning Leeds may have to look elsewhere.
He said: “A left wing defender is needed, because Hartman will not be back until around January. Smal is injured and they had actually already said goodbye to López, but now he is suddenly back in the starting line-up.
“They are going to get someone there, probably Hugo Bueno from Wolves. They hope to get that done this week. It is a loan without a purchase option, because he simply bridges the gap until Hartman is back. So that does not have to be that complicated.”
Leeds can’t offer Bueno game time guarantees
Bueno is a prime example of Leeds simply being unable to sign Premier League loanees due to the level of quality in their squad.
Junior Firpo is very much Leeds’ first choice left-back and it is likely to stay that way if he builds on the form he showed in the second half of last season.
Firpo provided eight assists from around mid-January onwards, and a full season of football could well see him smash double figures.
Wolves will have taken notice of that when picking the destination of Bueno’s next club, of which looks to be Feyenoord.
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