Exclusive: Deal close in Leeds battle with PL club to sign right-sided flyer

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on the signing of Leeds target James Justin from Luton Town this month,

Football Insider

sources understand. Leeds made enquiries for Justin this month as they looked to bring in a new right-back to replace the injured Luke Ayling, but their approach could fail as Brighton have now entered the race for the highly-rated 19-year-old. A well-placed source has told

Football Insider

that Brighton are determined to win the race for Justin's signature as Seagulls boss Chris Hughton sees him as a star in the making and talks to seal the deal are at an advanced stage. Justin is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the Football League after bursting onto the scene during the 2016/17 season and a number of clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress. Nottingham Forest saw a £1million bid rejected for Justin last summer with Luton rewarding the full-back with a new deal until 2020 to try and fend off the growing interest in him. Luton are reluctant to lose Justin as they look to win promotion from League Two this season, but Brighton are ready to meet their asking price for the player and offer the teenager the chance to move to the Premier League. He has already accumulated 56 Luton appearances and proved to be real force on the right flank with his flying forward raids.

Football Insider

broke the news last week that

United were in advanced talks to sign Adam Forshaw from Middlesbrough before any other media, and 48 hours before the transfer was announced

.

Football Insider

also revealed first that

Leeds had agreed a deal to sign striker Sam Dalby from Leyton Orient, with the player then unveiled on Tuesday of this week

. In other Leeds United transfer news,

the club have been engaged on transfer missions at top-flight giants Arsenal and Manchester United

.