Report: Leeds deal due to be finalised on Monday hits stumbling block after twist

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Published on:

11 Jul 2016, 7:19 am

By Alex Stevens

Leeds are set to pull out of a move to sign defender Joel Ekstrand, according to a report.

Radio Yorkshire journalist and presenter Joe Rawson claimed on his official Twitter page on Friday that the signing would be completed by the Championship club early this week by the latest and most likely on Monday.

But Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay claimed on his personal Twitter account on Monday that Leeds are no longer pursuing Ekstrand due to his history of injuries.

The 27-year-old defender was targeted by Leeds manager Garry Monk, who is looking to secure another defensive option for the forthcoming Championship campaign.

Ekstrand is a free agent following his release by Watford at the end of the 2015-16 season and would land at the Yorkshire giants without a fee.

But Hay claimed "Leeds were worried about Ekstrand's condition from the beginning" and that he "would be surprised if Ekstrand to Leeds goes through" as there are "too many worries about his injuries and people advising the club not to take the risk".

Would be surprised if Ekstrand to Leeds goes through. Too many worries about his injuries and people advising the club not to take the risk.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 11, 2016

A shame for Ekstrand. Definitely a good player who's been unlucky with a couple of bad set-backs. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 11, 2016

Leeds were worried about Ekstrand's condition from the beginning, which is why it all went quiet until last week. Wasn't ever too likely.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 11, 2016

Ekstrand joined Watford from Udinese in 2012 where he made 100 appearances for the club during his four-year stay.

The Swedish defender experienced three years of Championship football at Vicarage Road and played a key role in Watford's promotion year during the 2014-15 season where he featured in 25 encounters for the club.

However, during the successful campaign Ekstrand suffered a cruciate ligament injury and did not feature for the club again before being released in the summer of 2016.

In other Leeds news, Lewis Cook has thanked Leeds and their supporters in a lengthy announcement.

Leeds United

Joel Ekstrand