JUST IN: Sky Sports claimed this morning that Leeds United is in the driver’s seat to sign the player; Whites are eager, but Leicester City has edged out.

Leeds United in driving seat to sign player – Whites keen, Leicester City have edged away

Back in April, Leeds United and Leicester City were being linked to similar levels of players. Both were aiming for promotion to the Premier League and there was optimism around their future plans.

For the Foxes, that continues after they secured Premier League status, but Leeds United failed at the final play-off hurdle and will instead have a more restricted budget in the coming window.

One of the players who was linked to both sides earlier this year was Anselmo García MacNulty. The 21-year-old was born in Sevilla but represented the Republic of Ireland at international level, qualifying via his mother.

MacNulty is a central defender and currently plays for PEC Zwolle, where he moved last summer from. The Dutch media believe that stay could be a short one, and Voetbal International insist Leeds United remain in the picture to sign the youngster.

Leicester City, though, are thought to have backed away and are looking at other signings given their new Premier League status.

MacNulty is expected to play for Republic of Ireland U21s on Tuesday as they face England, which will be a good opportunity to take a look.