Jozefzoon kills Leeds United interest by closing in on Derby move

Jozefzoon was reported to be undergoing a medical at Derby earlier today and is understood to have agreed the terms of a four-year contract after Brentford accepted a bid of £2.75m.

Leeds moved to approach Brentford about Jozefzoon after becoming aware of his availability last week but despite the club indicating that they would match Brentford’s valuation, the winger is set to take up a lucrative salary under Frank Lampard at Pride Park instead.

The development extends a frustrating summer for Leeds in which a series of negotiations have hit dead-ends.

United spent several weeks on talks over Derby forward Matej Vydra but pulled back from discussions after learning that Vydra was seeking an increased wage of over £50,000 a week.

The club’s Interest in out-of-contract forward Abel Hernandez also appears to be dead despite a prolonged attempt to lure the forward to Elland Road in the early stages of the summer.

Hernandez, the Uruguayan international, is out of contract after leaving Hull City last month and is yet to find another club, despite his reputation and an offer arriving from Russian side CSKA Moscow.

The YEP understands that the entirety of Hernandez’s personal demands, including additional payments and fees, would have set Leeds back by more than £100,000 a week. Hernandez earned around £40,000 a week at Hull and United were initially looking to accommodate a high salary on a short-term basis in the hope of securing promotion this season.

Hernandez has been in Uruguay for much the summer having so far failed to secure a free transfer but the 28-year-old wants to remain in English football and was due to fly back here this week.

With three weeks of the window for permanent transfer remaining, Leeds have made just two additions to their squad. Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and midfielder Lewis Baker have both joined on season-long loans but Leeds remain in the market for a winger, a centre-forward a midfielder and a full-back as they close in on their first Championship game against Stoke City on August 5.