Thursday Transfer Gossip (July 28): Leeds United run rule over left-back | Middlesbrough in for Hull City's Maguire | Clarke arrival paves way for Adams' Sheffield United exit

Leeds United look set to end their long-winded pursuit of an additional full-back with the signing of Gabriele Perico, according to Gazette dello Sport.

Included in last night’s Under-21 friendly defeat to Farsley Celtic, the 32 year-old free-agent is familiar with Massimo Cellino having played for Cagliari between 2010 and 2014.

Meanwhile, midfielders Billy Whitehouse and Conor Shaughnessy remain in negotiations to secure deals after impressing the coaching staff whilst on trial in recent weeks.

Shaughnessy was released by Reading wearlier this year while Whitehouse was put on the transfer list by Doncaster Rovers after relegation to League Two.

At Middlesbrough, Aitor Karanka’s search for a centre-half is becoming more and more frustrating. After a deal to sign experienced Borussia Dortmund player Neven Subotic collapsed when he failed a medical, attention was diverted to Hull City’s Harry Maguire.

However, after Steve Bruce left the club, the ex-Sheffield United player has been told to wait until a new manager comes in before any decision on the £4m deal will be done.

And according to the Hull Daily Mail, that manager be American Bob Bradley, who the bookies have made the recent favourite. With the club reportedly in talks with Roberto Martinez, it remains to be seen just who will take the helm at the KCOM.

At Brammall Lane, Leon Clarke’s arrival has paved the way for Che Adams to make the move to Birmingham City. After a £1.2m bid for the 20-year-old was turned down last week, the Birmingham Mail is reporting that an increased offer close to Sheffield United’s £1.7m valuation has been offered.

However, Wigan Athletic are also interested in the player and with the Derbyshire Times suggesting United are in for midfielder Sam Morsey, who was signed from Chesterfield in January, a return to South Yorkshire could be on the cards for the ex-Port Vale captain.

Across the Steel City, Sheffield Wednesday are closer and closer to securing the signings of Watford duo Almen Abdi and Daniel Pudil, after the players recently has medical assessments, according to the Sheffield Star.

The Star are also reporting that a return to Rotherham United for Adam Le Fondre will not go ahead after Alan Stubbs said: “There are names getting thrown about left, right and centre and he’s not one that we’ve taken any further.”

It would come as a disappointment for supporters as Le Fondre scored 58 goals in 105 appearances in his previous spell at the club between 2009 and 2011.

Scoring three goals in a season-long loan deal at Wolves last year, the Cardiff City striker is surplus to requirements on the South Wales Coast.