By Wayne Veysey

3rd Sep, 2020 | 6:00pm

Sources: Leeds turn attention to new signing after forward pursuit collapses

Leeds United have turned their attention to alternative centre-forward targets after their pursuit of Rhian Brewster collapsed.

The Premier League new boys are among more than 10 top-flight and Championship clubs who have registered their interest in taking the Liverpool sensation on loan for the season.

But, as revealed exclusively by Football Insider, Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp has put the block on Brewster leaving in the summer window and will re-evaluate the situation in January.

This mean Leeds will have to look elsewhere for the third orthodox front man Marcelo Bielsa wants to provide cover and competition for club-record signing Rodrigo Moreno and Patrick Bamford.

A United source has told Football Insider the club retain an interest in Brentford’s Ollie Watkins and have also asked about taking Chelsea front man Michy Batshuayi on loan.

But Aston Villa remain in pole position to land Watkins and reunite him with former Bees manager Dean Smith, while Batshuayi is not a first choice for Bielsa.

Leeds always regarded Brewster as something of a long shot after his impressive spell at Swansea City in the second half of last season.

The 20-year-old sensation showed Klopp he may be capable of something more than a fringe role by banging in 11 goals from 22 Championship appearances.

Liverpool have not signed any forward players so far this window after pulling out of the race to sign Timo Werner, who subsequently joined Chelsea.

Brewster has also attracted interest from top-flights clubs Tottenham, Villa, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brighton as well as Swansea.

In other news, Leeds United have agreed personal terms with Rodrigo De Paul after stunning breakthrough.