Swansea City centre-back Kyle Bartley was keen to join Leeds United this summer despite him closing in on a move to West Brom.
Bartley played a pivotal role in Leeds getting close to finishing in the top six during his loan stint at the Whites in the 2016/17 season.
Leeds identified the defender as one of their top targets early in the summer, but the Whites have done little over the last few weeks to move the needle in their pursuit of Bartley.
And the defender is now closing in on a move to West Brom, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Bartley’s camp were reportedly surprised by Leeds’ transfer strategy and according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the defender was prepared to prioritise a move to Elland Road.
However, Leeds made very little effort to sign the Swansea defender after an initial push and there was little to suggest Marcelo Bielsa wanted the 27-year-old in his squad.
Leeds have only signed Lewis Baker on loan from Chelsea this summer and there are growing concerns over another potential difficult window for the club.
They are hopeful of completing a loan move to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman before their pre-season friendly against Forest Green Rovers next Tuesday.
