Leeds United's frustrations mount as winger Jozefzoon heads to Derby County

Jozefzoon was reported to be undergoing a medical at Derby yesterday 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 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 in 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.

Paul Heckingbottom has spoken for the first time about his sacking by Leeds and called on the club to give serious backing to Marcelo Bielsa.

In an interview with TalkSport, Heckingbottom said he had been the victim of a “change of direction” at Elland Road after Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani dismissed him after 16 games in charge.

“Literally just a change of direction from the club, that was it,” Heckingbottom said. “Leeds have gone for a different manager and I just hope they back him. He should be saying the same things I was saying and hopefully he gets the backing and support to make changes and give the fans there what they’re crying out for.”