Leeds look likely to miss out on Arca

The 30-year-old Argentinian left the Riverside at the end of last season after turning down a new contract offer that amounted to around a quarter of his previous £32,000-per-week deal.

Since then, Arca has been training with Boro to stay fit but hopes of agreement being reached with the club where he has spent the last four seasons appeared to be over.

The Yorkshire Post understands Leeds made an enquiry earlier in the summer about the former Sunderland man but were put off by him still hoping to strike a deal with Boro.

That misgiving appears to have proved valid with Arca believed to have finally sorted out a deal with Boro.

Having not received an expected increased offer, Arca left the Riverside and his agent was talking with three Championship clubs. One of those was believed to be Leeds, whose shortcomings were shown up in an opening-weekend defeat at Southampton.

Arca, who was also mulling over an offer to return to Argentina and sign for Boca Juniors, is primarily a midfielder but has slotted in at left-back during his career in England.

Asked about the player’s future following Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Portsmouth, Boro manager Tony Mowbray said: “Sitting here now, I think it is highly unlikely Julio will be returning to the club.

“You never know in football and he may end up signing on Monday.”

Arca moved to England during the 2000-01 season when signing for Sunderland, where he spent six seasons before moving to Boro.