Mark Smith

Mon 16 August 2021 16:10, UK

Leeds United appear to be closing in on yet another signing for their under-23s squad this week.

The Whites have reportedly agreed personal terms with Celtic defender Leo Hjelde ahead of a proposed move to Elland Road.

MOT Leeds News were exclusively told last week that the young Norweigian enforcer was due in West Yorkshire for his medical imminently.

Things now appear to be gathering pace quickly.

Celtic are set for their Europa League qualifier with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening, and have now released their squad.

The official Europa League website has shared that squad, and no surprise, Hjelde has not been included in the list of defenders.

Ange Postecoglou appears to have accepted that Hjelde will not be in his plans past this week, after being used earlier in the season.

The academy talent was used in the previous Europa League round against Jablonec, and that may be the last they see of him.

Missing.

It has taken its time to get completed, but Leeds are surely closing in now.

Phil Hay backed up claims that it was looking good, but the consistent overlooking of Hjlede in these squads shows he is either leaving or has already left for West Yorkshire.

The under-23s get their Premier League 2 Division campaign underway this evening, and Hjelde may be present at Crystal Palace.

Olly Casey left for Blackpool much earlier in the window, and now that gap will be filled, Victor Orta can now concentrate on first-team matters.

In other Leeds United news, Journalist shares update on Whites move for major attacker signing, £15m could get deal done