Leeds United look set for disappointment in the hunt for Yasin Ben El-Mhanni’s services as Belgian side Royal Antwerp close in on a move, according to The Sun.

What’s the word?

After being released by Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer after his stint turned sour, accusing U23 coach Peter Beardsley of bullying and racism – with an independent panel ruling that the 22-year-old was treated unfairly.

Ben El-Mhanni is keen to follow in the footsteps of other British talents by moving abroad and The Sun states that Belgian side Royal Antwerp are in talks regarding a deal, although Standard Liege have also entered the running.

Goal reported at the end of August that El-Mhanni was a target for Championship high-flyers Leeds but the latest reports suggest that Marcelo Bielsa’s side will miss out in the hunt, with the likes of St. Etienne, Groningen and Heerenveen all eyeing a move.

Blow for Bielsa?

El-Mhanni could have certainly been an asset for Leeds, particularly in the long-term, but missing out on a player who did not make a single league appearance for Newcastle is unlikely to lead to sleepless nights for Marcelo Bielsa.

Naturally a right-winger, El-Mhanni would have faced a stern task earning first-team opportunities ahead of the likes of Kemar Roofe, Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Harrison at Elland Road – and it is clear that regular starting action is what the 22-year-old is looking for at this stage of his career.

In fact, signing El-Mhanni could have led to problems for Bielsa further down the line if he regularly stated his desire for first-team action, and could have disrupted the tight relationship of his impressive squad.

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