Noel Hunt set to complete Leeds triple whammy today

The former Reading striker is expected to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his free transfer in the next 48 hours before joining Leeds in time to play in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Farsley.

Hunt has been in the sights of Leeds manager Brian McDermott since opting to part company with Reading at the end of last season and McDermott – Hunt’s boss at the Madejski Stadium for more than three years – is poised to finalise a long-anticipated deal.

The 30-year-old forward left Reading in May after failing to agree a new contract with the club in the wake of their relegation from the Premier League.

Hunt sought a two-year deal but was offered a further 12 months in Berkshire, leading to a parting of ways. The forward – a £600,000 signing from Dundee United in 2008 – made more than 150 appearance in five seasons for Reading and scored 39 goals.

McDermott has already made significant changes to the forward line at Leeds, signing Matt Smith from Oldham Athletic and allowing Steve Morison to move on loan to Millwall less than six months after the striker’s high-profile arrival from Norwich City.

United, meanwhile, committed £1million to the purchase of Crewe Alexandra midfielder Luke Murphy on Monday, tying the 23-year-old to a three-year deal.

Hunt could be one of two new acquisitions before the end of a week in which Leeds’ pre-season programme kicks off with a friendly at Throstle Nest.

But Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman has cast doubt on the possibility of defender Matt Mills moving to United by claiming that there was “nothing concrete” in place for a deal between the clubs.

Mills appears to be surplus to requirements at Bolton and is another player who thrived under McDermott at Reading but Freedman said: “We’ve had nothing as we speak.

“I’ve spoken to him and he’s very comfortable fighting for his position in the team.

“I’ve heard about Leeds being interested but there’s nothing concrete at the moment.”

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