Leeds Launch Late Talks for £35m Star in Dramatic Deadline Push

Leeds United’s interest in Jorgen Strand Larsen is over, with the Norwegian striker set to join Crystal Palace in a deal worth £48 million. The Whites had been willing to shatter their transfer record to bring the Wolves forward to Elland Road, but his decision to move south has closed that chapter. Given his return of just one goal in 22 appearances this season, there will be some at Leeds who feel the club may have dodged an expensive mistake.

Attention has now shifted away from the forward line and towards midfield reinforcements as the deadline approaches. According to SportsBoom, Leeds have stepped up their interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, making formal enquiries as they explore the possibility of a late move.

Any deal, however, looks difficult to conclude before the window shuts. Leeds are not alone in their admiration of the 23-year-old, with Premier League sides West Ham and Fulham both tracking his progress closely. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are in a strong negotiating position. Sitting second in the Championship and pushing for automatic promotion, they are reluctant to weaken their squad and are understood to be demanding around £35 million for one of their key players. With time running out, the growing belief is that a summer move may be more realistic.

Even so, Hackney is viewed internally as a far more sensible long-term investment than Strand Larsen. While the striker would have arrived in West Yorkshire in a “dreadful” run of form, Hackney is very much a player “on the up.” The England Under-21 international has developed rapidly over the past 18 months, emerging as a driving force in midfield and earning praise for both his creativity and maturity.

Described by admirers as a “special” talent, Hackney fits the profile Leeds are increasingly keen to target: young, improving and capable of growing with the team. Should a deal not be struck in these final hours, Leeds are expected to return for him in the summer as they look to build a squad around potential and progression, rather than committing huge sums to players struggling for form.