Report: English clubs interested in Leeds defender, after failed Greek move

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The Yorkshire Evening Post have claimed that English sides are interested in signing Leeds United outcast Laurens de Bock before September 2, after a move to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki fell through.

De Bock, 26, joined Leeds in January 2018 under Thomas Christiansen for £1.5million (YEP). But he managed just seven games for Leeds during the second half of the 2017-18 campaign, with the sacking of Christiansen affecting his game time.

Paul Heckingbottom pushed Tom Pearce into the first team, before Marcelo Bielsa was hired. Barry Douglas has since been signed, while Gjanni Alioski has been used at left-back. Leif Davis continues his rise, after impressing in the Under-23 side.

It leaves De Bock on the sidelines, after a loan spell last season KV Oostende where he played 23 times. A move to Greece with Aris had been close, but it has since fallen through. Now, it is believed English clubs are keen on the Belgian defender.

TBR’s view – Would De Bock really consider League One?

Prior to joining Leeds, De Bock had featured in the Champions League for the Belgian giants and even played against Leicester City, during the Foxes run to the last eight of the competition.

In the space of a few years, De Bock has gone from Europe’s elite to being an outcast at a second-tier English side. A loan move to a third-tier side could be proposed, but surely De Bock’s ambition will look for a move abroad.

It remains to be seen if De Bock will leave permanently or on loan, but the Belgian defender may look to agree a fee to cancel his Leeds contract and make himself a free agent.