Winner named in Leeds United and Hull City race to sign Luton Town defender Ryan Giles as transfer update emerges
Hull City have likely won the race with Leeds United to sign Luton Town defender Ryan Giles, according to Alex Crook.
The TalkSPORT journalist taking to his personal Twitter account (23 January) shared that it looks like the Tigers have won the race to sign Luton’s club-record buy in Giles.
The former Wolves defender has featured only 11 times in the top flight so far under Rob Edwards at Kenilworth Road and while Daniel Farke refused to address possible interest in the 23-year-old this month [Adam Pope, 11 January] he is reportedly a target at Elland Road according to talkSPORT (18 January).
However, it seems as if Liam Rosenier’s side have won the race to sign him with the Premier League outfit wanting an obligation to buy built into any loan move.
Crook posted on Tuesday afternoon (23 January): “Looks like Hull City have won the race for Luton Town defender Ryan Giles. Luton want an obligation to buy built into any loan deal.”
Graeme Bailey also reported (23 January) that Giles looks set to seal a move to The Tigers as Hull City agree loan with an obligation worth around £4m.
Missed out
With three weeks of the transfer window gone and full-back only having become more of a pressing concern it doesn’t look like the Whites are hard-pressed enough to grab the signing they need.
Leeds United appear content to wait until the final days of the month and look to take advantage of opportunities that arise as knock-on effects start to emerge from other moves.
However, Giles could well have been a very useful option for Daniel Farke given his qualities and experience in the Championship having enjoyed a sensational campaign last season with Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough.
Giles recorded a memorable 11 assists last season, a decisive edge in the final third that Leeds could very well need in their chase to seal promotion to the Premier League but it appears as though they are content with Byram and Firpo as their options.
With Archie Gray establishing himself at right-back, it is not his favoured position and he remains the only option in the role and Giles could well have given Farke much-needed options in the run-in, having the luxury of possessing two right-backs and two left-backs.
However, Leeds United’s loss is Hull City’s gain but certainly won’t allow the Tigers to usurp the Whites given both their positions in the Championship right now, but it still remains a big missed opportunity for the Whites.
Whether the club are waiting for another target they’ve identified already remains to be seen but what is paramount is that Farke cannot be left to utilise what he has at his disposal. It could well be costly.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a response to his questions over “anger” at Elland Road after a player signed a deal to confirm his permanent departure.
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