Leeds dealt blow in race for talented defender as EPL club reportedly sign him

Leeds’ chances of securing the services of Luton Town right-back James Justin as a replacement for the injured Luke Ayling have taken a huge hit.

The Sun reports that Premier League outfit Brighton are set to land the England under-20 international after the League Two outfit accepted their £1.5million offer.

Football Insider earlier claimed that the Seagulls were ahead of Leeds in the race for Justin’s signature, and that appears to be the case as the 18-year-old found the prospect of playing in the topflight too hard to turn down.

With Ayling out of the season, manager Thomas Christiansen is left with Gaetano Berardi as his first choice option in the position.

Leeds want a backup and competition for the Swiss who had played at left-back all-campaign until Ayling’s injury, and Justin, who has 56 senior appearances to his name, seems a decent option.

In 6 league starts this term, the teenager has weighed in 2 goals and seems ready to make the step up the divisions.

Given the last development, though, Leeds now have less than 3 days to find another quality right-back.